India books two journalists reporting on denial of treatment for Muslim woman

Authorities in India’s Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district have filed cases against two journalists after they reported that a doctor allegedly refused to treat a pregnant Muslim woman on religious grounds.

Journalists Mayank Srivastava and Mohammed Usman were booked following a complaint by the chief medical superintendent, Dr. Mahendra Gupta, who alleged they “forcibly entered the labour room, filmed videos, and caused damage to hospital property,” Caliber.Az reports via Indian media.

The controversy stems from a viral video posted on October 1, in which Shama Parveen said a duty doctor told her, “I will not treat a Muslim woman. I will not conduct your delivery.”

According to her, the doctor ignored her even after she confronted him for “creating communal issues.”

Dr. Gupta, however, rejected the accusation, saying Parveen was examined upon arrival at the hospital on September 30. 

“The doctor in question has denied making any such remark based on religion. An inquiry has been conducted into the matter, and the higher authorities have been informed,” he told Press Trust of India.

The incident has sparked political reactions. Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar called it “the result of the communal tension spread across the state” and condemned police action against the journalists, vowing to raise the issue in the Assembly. 

Congress leader Vikesh Upadhyay Vikki termed the incident “extremely shameful,” saying, “The victim has no caste or religion in such situations. Strict action should be taken.”

BJP spokesperson Avnish Tyagi dismissed opposition criticism as baseless, asserting, “Public welfare schemes have been doled out to all sections of society... There is no discrimination in the Yogi Adityanath-led government.”

By Sabina Mammadli