New Delhi: On the night of March 20, 2026, in New Delhi, according to sources, an incident took place that is being described as a major alarm bell for freedom of the press in the country. The headquarters of the country’s renowned news agency, United News of India (UNI), located at 9 Rafi Marg near Parliament, was suddenly stormed by a heavy contingent of the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces. Following a Delhi High Court order regarding a long-standing land dispute, the entire premises were evacuated and sealed without any prior notice, as if it were a den of criminals rather than a national media institution.
The Raid and Allegations of Misconduct
According to eyewitnesses, government officials and lawyers entered the office along with about300 personnel. UNI management reported that around 50 staff members, including women journalists, were forcibly removed from their seats and the newsroom. When employees requested a written copy of the court order, sources say the police, instead of presenting any document, resorted to force and dragged several journalists, including women, out of the premises.
Reports of verbal abuse, misconduct, and the use of excessive force have emerged, prompting deep concerns over media freedom. Eyewitnesses further stated that control of the entrances was taken, journalists and officials present outside were prevented from entering, and employees were not even able to retrieve their personal belongings. The most important question remains: if the action was based on a court order, why was no written order presented?
Police Response and Legal Standing
In response to the allegations, according to media reports, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma stated that the police were enforcing a High Court order to provide security for the Land and Development Office (L&DO) to take possession of the premises and denied that journalists were manhandled.
The legal standing for this action follows a Delhi High Court dismissal of a petition filed by UNI, which upheld the cancellation of the land allotment by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. The court noted that UNI failed to construct a building on the plot for over four decades, effectively “squatting” on public land. Currently, the premises are sealed, and a notice has been posted stating that the Government of India has taken over, with any unauthorized entry deemed illegal.
Impact on News Services
According to sources, as a result of this sudden action, UNI’s Urdu, Hindi, and English services were suspended, the flow of news to more than 500 subscribers was halted, and hundreds of families were left in a state of uncertainty. This incident is not merely a raid but a serious question mark on freedom of the press. If media houses are silenced in this manner, then tomorrow independent journalism and truth may be replaced entirely by official narratives. Now it remains to be seen whether the courts will take action or whether this matter too will be buried in files.
Condemnation and Reaction
The incident drew sharp criticism from media organizations, with the Press Club of India condemning the “excessive force” used during the evacuation. The Congress Party expressed shock over the police storming the UNI office and dragging out journalists, describing the event as the “Assassination of Democracy.”
A Pillar of Indian Journalism
UNI is an important news agency of India, established in 1961 through the collaboration of major newspapers, with the aim of providing an independent and non-governmental news service. UNI has its own network and correspondents across the country and provides news in multiple languages including Urdu, Hindi, and English.
In particular, its Urdu service has been very popular. For decades, this agency supplied news to thousands of newspapers and institutions and has been regarded as a key pillar of independent and credible journalism in India. But today, this very institution, which was once a bright pillar of journalism, stands on the brink of decline and silence.