Veteran journalist Ayub took to X to share her distress, describing the night as “painful” for both her and her family
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Veteran Indian journalist Rana Ayub, a vocal critic of right-wing policies, has once again become the target of online harassment from Hindutva groups. Her phone number was reportedly leaked on the social media platform X by an account linked to “Hindutva Knight,” resulting in a flood of threatening and obscene messages on Friday night.
Ayub took to X to share her distress, describing the night as “painful” for both her and her family. She tagged Maharashtra Cyber Security and Investigation, the National Commission for Women, and X support, appealing for action. Ayub’s ordeal has drawn public outcry, with calls for accountability for those responsible. Beh Lee Yai, head of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Asia, commended Ayub’s work and urged an immediate end to the threats. Journalists and advocates have also expressed solidarity, demanding swift intervention from Mumbai police to apprehend the perpetrators.
According to reports, the X-handle “Hindutva Night,” believed to be operated by an individual named Chandan Sharma, published Ayub’s phone number, openly encouraging followers to harass her. This incident is the latest in a series of targeted attacks against Ayub, who has been a frequent recipient of online abuse and threats due to her outspoken stance on political issues and her critiques of the current government. Such actions are part of a larger trend of online harassment aimed at journalists, especially women, which often includes “doxing” — the malicious act of publishing personal information to intimidate or harm individuals.
Doxing has become a prevalent form of digital harassment in India, with journalists and activists, especially women, facing heightened risks. Ayub’s experience highlights the urgent need for stronger digital protections and accountability measures to protect journalists from these forms of online aggression.
Data documented by Women Press Freedom from January 2019 to July 2024 reveals alarming statistics highlighting the hostile environment for women journalists in India. Of the 178 cases of online harassment targeting women journalists globally, 8.4% (15 cases) originated in India. Similarly, out of 101 documented cases of organised troll campaigns, Indian journalists were the target in nearly 10% of the cases.
