Attack on Caravan journalists: Chandigarh Press Club urges Delhi CM and union home ministry to take action

On 11 August 2020, three journalists working with The Caravan—Shahid Tantray, Prabhjit Singh and a woman journalist—were beaten, subjected to communal slurs, threatened with murder, and sexually harassed, while reporting in Subhash Mohalla, in northeast Delhi.

The Chandigarh Press Club released a statement condemning the attack and demanded immediate action. The statement is reproduced below. Read The Caravan’s report on the attack here.

The Chandigarh Press Club condemns the attack on three journalists— Prabhjit Singh, who is also a senior member of the club, Shahid Tantray, and a woman journalist (identity withheld) of The  Caravan magazine.

They were attacked while on a reporting assignment by the goons on Tuesday evening at Subhash Mohalla of Northeast Delhi.

The Chandigarh Press Club also demands arrest of the goons, who
attacked the journalists and assaulted the lady journalist.

The attack on all the three journalists and the sexual harassment of
the woman journalist, while reporting, are serious assaults and is an
attack on the freedom of press.

On August 11, the three reporters were in Subhash Mohalla of Northeast Delhi to carry out a follow up reportage five months after the communal violence in Delhi in February. In an attempt to stop the three reporters from reporting, a mob assaulted them, threatened to kill them, and used communal slurs. The mob also tried to force the team members to reveal their sources and also delete their video footage and photographs taken while reporting.

The Chandigarh Press Club stands in a solaridarity with the three
journalists and demand strict action against the goons.

The club is also forwarding a representation regarding the said issue to Delhi Chief Minister office and Union Home Ministry for the action.

Saurabh Duggal
Secretary General