News agency UNI office sealed in Delhi

Police have sealed the office of news agency UNI (United News of India) in New Delhi, India, on the orders of a court.

A video of an argument between police and employees has surfaced, raising serious concerns about press freedom.

UNI said that employees were forcibly removed and many were not allowed to take their personal belongings. There have also been allegations of misbehavior by police personnel with some female journalists. However, a senior Delhi Police official has denied the allegations and said that all legal procedures were followed.

The incident mainly took place over an order of the Department of Land and Development under the Housing Ministry. The court had ordered the news agency to vacate the premises due to its failure to construct an integrated office complex.

The High Court said, “Valid government land is in the hands of a licensee (UNI) who has failed to perform its duties for a long time.”

CPI MP Santosh Kumar criticized the incident, saying it was an unprecedented attack on press freedom in India.