26/05/2025
Attacks on Journalists in India: A Threat to Democracy
Journalists are the backbone of any democracy. They dig into stories that matter, amplify the voices of those often ignored, and keep those in power accountable. But in India — often called the world’s largest democracy — telling the truth is becoming more and more dangerous. Reporters face physical attacks, online abuse, legal harassment, and in some tragic cases, even murder. This article looks at the current state of press freedom in India, shares important cases that highlight the crisis, explores how laws are sometimes misused against journalists, and considers what this means for the country’s democracy.
1. Press Freedom in India: A Troubled Journey
Falling Rankings and Growing Concerns
Every year, Reporters Without Borders publishes the World Press Freedom Index, ranking countries based on how free journalists are to do their jobs. In 2024, India ranked a troubling 159th out of 180 countries — even lower than Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Although India’s position improved slightly to 151st in 2025, it still sits near the bottom, showing that press freedom remains fragile.
This ranking isn’t just about numbers. It reflects the harsh realities journalists face daily: threats, legal hurdles, and a hostile environment that restricts free reporting.
Warnings from Watchdogs
Indian and international media watchdogs have repeatedly raised the alarm. In early 2025, Reporters Without Borders released a report warning that press freedom in India is in serious trouble, pointing to rising violence and intimidation. Similarly, the Committee to Protect Journalists called for stronger protections following the murder of freelance journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and safety.
2. Stories That Reveal the Danger
The Murder of Mukesh Chandrakar
In January 2025, Mukesh Chandrakar, a freelance journalist from Chhattisgarh, was found dead in a septic tank after investigating corruption in a road project run by his own cousin. Police arrested several family members, pointing to a brutal conspiracy to silence him. His death sparked outrage both in India and internationally, shining a harsh light on the risks journalists face when exposing corruption.
Assault and Detention in Uttar Pradesh
In March 2025, two journalists reporting on local government corruption in Uttar Pradesh were beaten and held captive by a mayor. Despite filing complaints, justice has been slow. This case highlights how political power is sometimes used to intimidate and silence reporters critical of those in authority.
Harassment at the Shirui Lily Festival, Manipur
During the Shirui Lily Festival in May 2025, security forces reportedly ordered journalists to hide “Manipur” from their press vehicles, apparently to avoid drawing attention to the region’s unrest. Journalists protested with a “Pen Down Strike,” boycotting official briefings, signaling the difficult conditions under which reporters work in conflict-affected areas.
3. The Digital Battlefield: Online Abuse and Censorship
https://disempowerments.blogspot.com/2025/05/patterns-and-trends-in-attacks-on.html
