DUJ demands safe transport for women journalists in Delhi after late-night attack

By A Representative 

The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) has demanded that all employers provide safe transport facilities for women employees working late hours, following a late-night attack on a woman journalist driving home from her workplace in Noida to her residence in Vasant Kunj.

According to Delhi Police, the journalist, a television producer, was driving past midnight on the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway when two men on a scooter began following her. The assailants allegedly tried to block her car and later smashed its rear windscreen and a window after she stopped at a traffic signal near Ashram. The journalist escaped unhurt after seeking help at a taxi stand. The two accused, identified as Shubham and Deepak from Dabri, were later arrested.

The DUJ, in a statement issued by President Sujata Madhok, Vice President S.K. Pande, and General Secretary Jigeesh A.M., condemned the incident and commended the journalist for her composure during the attack. “We salute her courage in keeping her head, taking a video of the men and calling the police,” the union said, adding that it appreciated the prompt response of Delhi Police in arresting the culprits.

The organisation stressed that “no woman should have to go through such trauma merely because her work required late hours,” recalling the 2008 case of journalist Soumya Viswanathan, who was shot dead while returning home from work at night.

Calling for immediate preventive measures, the DUJ said employers assigning late shifts must provide safe transport to women staff and urged the Union government to make such facilities mandatory for all establishments.

Police said both suspects have previous criminal records and were allegedly intoxicated during the incident. CCTV footage and vehicle registration details helped investigators trace and arrest them within hours.

The DUJ said the attack highlights the persistent safety risks faced by women journalists and other professionals working night shifts, urging media organisations and authorities to prioritise workplace and commuter safety.