Two Journalists Booked in Jaunpur for Reporting on Doctor’s Alleged Refusal to Treat Muslim Woman
PakkaHyderabadi 
Police in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, booked two journalists for reporting that a Muslim woman was denied medical treatment by a doctor — a charge denied by hospital authorities.
Two journalists in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, have been booked by police for their coverage of an alleged incident in which a doctor reportedly refused to treat a pregnant Muslim woman due to her religion. The hospital authorities have, however, denied all allegations of discrimination.
The Kotwali police station registered FIRs against journalists Mayank Srivastava and Mohammed Usman based on a complaint filed by Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr Mahendra Gupta, who accused the duo of forcibly entering the labour room, filming videos without permission, and damaging hospital property.
The Viral Video and the Woman’s Allegations
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced on October 1, showing Shama Parveen, a pregnant woman, claiming that the on-duty doctor refused to perform her delivery, saying, “I will not treat a Muslim woman. I will not conduct your delivery.”
Parveen alleged that despite confronting the doctor, she was ignored and denied treatment. The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage and political debate across Uttar Pradesh.
Hospital Authorities Deny Religious Discrimination
In response, Dr Mahendra Gupta issued a clarification, stating that no discrimination occurred and that Parveen had been examined upon arrival at the District Women’s Hospital around 9:30 pm on September 30.
“The doctor in question has denied making any religious remark. An internal inquiry has been completed, and higher authorities have been informed,” said Dr Gupta.
He further accused the journalists of “disturbing hospital operations” and “spreading misinformation” through social media.
Political Reactions: Opposition Slams, BJP Defends
The video’s circulation drew swift political reactions. Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar condemned the alleged incident, calling it “a reflection of the rising communal tension in the state.”
“No woman in labour pain would lie about being denied treatment,” Sonkar said, demanding a fair investigation and protection for journalists.
Congress leader Vikesh Upadhyay Vikki also called the episode “deeply shameful,” adding, “Doctors take an oath to treat all patients equally. Religion or caste has no place in the medical profession.”
However, BJP spokesperson Avnish Tyagi dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, stating, “The Yogi Adityanath government’s motto ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ ensures equal welfare for all citizens without discrimination.”
Journalists Accuse Police of Suppression
Meanwhile, local journalist groups in Jaunpur have accused the police of attempting to silence the media. They claimed the FIR was meant to intimidate reporters from exposing alleged misconduct in public institutions.
A senior journalist from the Jaunpur Press Club said, “Instead of investigating the allegations made by the patient, the authorities are targeting those who brought the issue to light.”
Background: Growing Tensions Over Communal Incidents in UP Hospitals
This incident comes amid growing national debate over communal polarization and its alleged influence on public services in Uttar Pradesh. In recent months, several similar controversies have surfaced, leading to increased scrutiny of hospitals and government institutions in the state.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the Yogi Adityanath government of fostering an atmosphere of fear among minorities — a charge the BJP strongly denies.
