Two Policemen suspended for manhandling the HT photo journalist and snatching her camera

The Delhi Police authorities have suspended a male and women constable of Delhi Armed Police (DAP) on the charges of physically assaulting and forcibly snatching the camera from the photo journalist of prestigious news daily, the Hindustan Times who was trying to click a picture of a man being thrashed by the police lying on the ground. The photo journalist Anu Shree was on her official assignment when this shameful incident occured.

She was not only harrased by way of forcibly snatching her camera while on duty but was also assaulted physically. The camera was not returned to her despite her repeated protest and requests. The entire photo journalist and scribe fraternity held a protest demonstration at the Delhi police headquarter and raised slogans demanding immediate action against the erring police officials.

The Delhi Police Commissioner office has expressed regrets over the incident on Saturday and assured of suitable action against the erring policemen after the conduction of the vigilance inquiry into the matter. As per the message received through the whatsapp in the Press Club of India account the Delhi police PRO has issued the following statement:
On the complaint received from the photo journalist who had alleged snatching of her camera, a case was registered and taken up for investigation.
The camera has since been traced and the police is contacting the photo journalist to facilitate its restoration.
On the basis of preliminary findings of vigilance enquiry for the unprofessional conduct of mishandling the journalist’s camera during crowd control, one woman constable of DAP and one head constable (male) have been placed under suspension.

Meanwhile various press associations are meeting the home minister Rajnath Singh on 26th March at 9.45 to request him to lodge two FIRs against the erring policemen and stringent action against them forthwith. A protest meeting has also been convened at the press club of India premises tomorrow at 1.00 PM to chalk out the future course of action.

SUNIL NEGI, President, Uttarakhand Journalists Forum