The protests have been taking place over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
According to media reports, journalists covering the demonstrations were detained by Delhi Police, with some reporting that they were manhandled despite identifying themselves as members of the press. Reports also said some journalists had their phones or reporting equipment seized.
Bora has criticised the police action against protesters and raised concerns about the treatment of those documenting the demonstrations. She has also alleged that journalists and activists faced mistreatment during the police crackdown.
Several journalists’ organisations, including the Press Club of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps and the Delhi Union of Journalists, have expressed concern over the detentions. They said reporters were targeted while documenting police action and called for an inquiry into the incidents.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has also urged Delhi Police to ensure that media personnel can report on protests without interference. The issue has raised wider concerns about journalists’ ability to cover demonstrations and report on police conduct.
Delhi Police has said some individuals had posed as journalists and interfered with police work, while the allegations of excessive force and mistreatment have drawn criticism from media rights groups. The incidents remain a subject of public concern.
The protests are part of a wider campaign challenging the revision of electoral rolls. Critics allege the process could remove eligible voters from the lists, while India’s Election Commission has rejected claims that the exercise is politically motivated.
