Lawfare – Detention, Journalists / Others

Newslaundry reporter Anmol Pritam and producer Tarun Sahu were detained by Delhi Police on Sunday evening, along with several protesters, while covering a citizens’ protest against air pollution near India Gate.

The protest demanded urgent action as Delhi’s air turned ‘severe’. Police had denied permission, citing restrictions and saying Jantar Mantar is the designated protest site. The area had heavy police deployment. Among participants were activists, students, lawyers, environmentalists, journalists. There were families with children.

Detentions began around 5.50 pm. As Anmol and Tarun tried to speak to the detainees and record the episode, they were also detained, despite repeatedly identifying themselves as press.