Delhi Police Question Journalist in 2020 Bhajanpura Assault Case

Four years following an altercation in North-East Delhi's Bhajanpura area involving three journalists and a group of residents, the Delhi Police have recently taken steps to further investigate the incident. Prabhjit Singh, a journalist associated with The Caravan magazine, was summoned by the police to participate in the ongoing investigation. On June 3, Singh received a notice to join the probe and subsequently provided his statement at the Bhajanpura Police Station on June 7, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police North-East, Joy Tirkey.

The incident that sparked this long-standing legal battle occurred on August 11, 2020, when a distress call was made to the police regarding a confrontation involving media personnel. According to reports from the journalists involved, they were in Bhajanpura to cover a story when the altercation broke out. Following the incident, both parties lodged complaints against each other, leading to the registration of two separate First Information Reports (FIRs).

Prabhjit Singh alleged that during the course of their reporting, a female reporter accompanying him was assaulted and molested by some individuals in Subhash Mohalla. However, he did not name any suspects in his complaint. Conversely, a complaint was filed by a woman resident of the area accusing Singh and his colleagues, including Shahid Tantray, of assaulting her and her husband. She further accused them of biased reporting that incited religious enmity.

The police have recorded statements from both parties involved. While the statement of the woman resident has been documented before a magistrate, the female reporter mentioned in Singh's complaint has yet to join the investigation.

The Caravan magazine has expressed concern over these developments, stating that neither it nor its journalists were informed about the FIR for four years. The magazine claims that on August 11, 2020, its journalists were attacked by a mob in Subhash Mohalla, subjected to communal slurs, threats of murder, and sexual harassment against one female reporter. The Caravan vehemently denies the allegations made in the FIR as "absolutely false and fabricated."

Despite filing complaints immediately after the incident, The Caravan alleges that their FIR was not registered until three days later, on August 14, 2020. The magazine has stated its intention to fully cooperate with the legal process while also seeking to challenge and dismiss these accusations through legal means.

This ongoing investigation into an incident that occurred four years ago highlights the complexities and challenges faced by journalists in the field. As further details emerge from this case, it underscores the importance of ensuring safety and justice for media personnel amidst their duties.