Journalists Not Immune: Police Crackdown on Reporters at Ahmedabad’s MJ Library

Tensions flared near the historic MJ Library in Ahmedabad as police presence intensified surrounding a local demonstration, serving as a stark reminder of the escalating friction between law enforcement and the press across the country.

What began as routine field reporting quickly turned into a high-pressure confrontation when female police constables began forcefully detaining a female reporter covering the ground developments. Constables held the journalist and attempted to push her into a detention van before her colleagues intervened.

The situation was only defused after fellow reporters actively displayed official broadcasting equipment, showing a microphone logo to identify their press affiliation.

While the physical intervention forced officers to release the reporter, male police personnel quickly surrounded the team, demanding immediate presentation of press cards and threatening detainment if they failed to comply on the spot.

The reporting team managed to navigate the high-tension standoff and exit the area without being taken into custody.

Nationwide Pattern of Media Friction

The incident in Ahmedabad reflects a broader, troubling trend observed during heavy security operations across major urban centres.

A massive police crackdown in New Delhi resulted in the widespread detainment of media personnel covering anti-Election Commission youth demonstrations.

Journalists representing established national dailies such as Navbharat Times, alongside digital outlets including Scroll.in and Newslaundry, were picked up by law enforcement officials—some even from residential colonies far removed from the primary protest sites.

In several instances in the national capital, reporters were bundled into detention buses despite displaying explicit press credentials and identifying themselves to on-duty officers.

The incident prompted widespread concern over arbitrary police action targeting media personnel actively performing their professional duties.