New Delhi: During the ongoing protest in Delhi against alleged irregularities in the voter list and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the conduct of the Delhi Police has drawn strong criticism. The manner in which protesters were treated, and particularly the alleged misbehavior and mistreatment of journalists, including women journalists, has triggered widespread anger among the public. There are also demands for strict action against the police officers responsible. The manner in which students and protesters are being detained has raised serious questions.

Nehan Bora was also detained and taken into a vehicle, following which protesters stopped the vehicle and prevented it from moving forward. In a subsequent video message, Nehan Bora said that they were being detained repeatedly. Making several serious allegations against the police, she said, “We are not dogs, nor are we insects; we are citizens of this country. We have every right to protest and demonstrate, while maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the police.”

During the protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Delhi Police's action was not limited to protesters. Several journalists were also stopped, asked to leave the area, or allegedly taken into custody. These included journalists working with independent and digital media outlets. Several videos that emerged during the incident show journalists displaying their press cards to police officers, yet being removed from the area. In some cases, journalists were also seen being taken away in police vehicles.

In one video, digital media journalist Mohammad Ayan is seen showing his press card to police personnel. He is then asked, “Do you have a PIB card?” Following this, he is taken towards a police vehicle. Earlier, The Wire journalist Mohammad Irfan was also reportedly asked by police to show his PIB card.

In another video, some journalists associated with Jan Chowk were stopped by police near Connaught Place, close to Jantar Mantar. The journalists repeatedly showed their IDs and said they were only covering the protest. Despite this, the police were seen asking them to leave the area.