AP Congress leaders protest alleged assault on two women journalists in Delhi

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) leaders held a demonstration at the Dharna Centre in Vijayawada on Sunday to condemn the alleged illegal detention and assault of two women journalists from Delhi, Shamin Khan and Nafees Khan.

Speaking to the media, APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji claimed the journalists were unlawfully held and subjected to third-degree methods. He alleged that after police learned the women belonged to the Muslim minority community, they were further beaten with lathis by male personnel, leaving them unable to walk properly.

Mr. Shivaji criticised the central government, saying that suppressing dissent, harassing critics, filing false cases, and invoking stringent laws had become routine under the current administration. He contrasted the government's slogans such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao with what he described as a failure to protect women's rights and dignity.

He demanded strict action against those responsible for the incident at Saket Police Station and called for the immediate suspension of the officials involved. He also urged the Union Home Minister to make a statement and ensure a fair inquiry.

Referring to recent remarks by the RSS chief in New York about Muslims being treated without discrimination in India, Mr. Shivaji said such statements contradicted what he termed as attacks and hate campaigns against the community by affiliated groups.

"The attack on young journalists is an attack on democracy. It is also an attack on the freedom and dignity of women," he said, adding that the Gen Z generation viewed such actions as a direct assault on its democratic rights.

Party leaders including Fakir Ahmed, Khurshida, S.K. Baji, Misala Rajeswara Rao, M.K. Beg, Mandepudi Sunitha, Aziz, Shareef, Syed Khader Mohiuddin, Azmath and Ramana participated in the protest.