1 month ago
Indian Protesters Attack 'Lapdog Media' Reporter
During a protest in New Delhi, a reporter named Dev Kotak was attacked by a mob because they believed his channel, Times Now, is pro-government.
The protesters chanted 'godi media,' which means 'lapdog media,' and accused the media of not reporting their side of the story accurately.
Kotak said he feared for his life during the attack.
This incident is part of a broader debate about declining media freedom in India since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014.
India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has dropped significantly over the past decade.
Critics say the media is biased and ignores dissent, while media representatives argue they face hostility and violence due to perceived bias.
The distrust in mainstream media has led to a rise in alternative digital media platforms.
Reporter Dev Kotak was attacked by protesters in New Delhi during a demonstration against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
Protesters accused the media of being pro-government and not reporting their side of the story accurately.
The term 'godi media' (lapdog media) has been coined to describe media outlets perceived as biased and fawning over the government.
India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has dropped from 122nd in 2010 to 157th in 2026.
The distrust in mainstream media has led to a rise in alternative digital media platforms.
- Who
- Indian protesters and media personnel
- What
- Attack on a reporter during protests against the government
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- When
- July 24
- Why
- Protesters believe the media is biased and pro-government
Protesters' Perspective
Media's Perspective
Media Bias
Protesters' Perspective
Protesters believe the media is pro-government and does not report their side of the story accurately.
Media's Perspective
Media representatives argue they have reported on both sides of the protests and injuries.
Media Freedom
Protesters' Perspective
Protesters and critics argue that media freedom has declined under the current government, leading to biased reporting.
Media's Perspective
Media outlets and journalists claim they face hostility and violence due to perceived bias, which affects their ability to report freely.
Key facts
- Reporter Attacked
- Dev Kotak
- Channel
- Times Now
- Protest Location
- New Delhi
- Prime Minister
- Narendra Modi
- Reporters Without Borders Ranking
- 157th out of 180 countries in 2026
- Term Coined
- Godi Media
- Protest Movement Leader
- Cockroach Janta Party
- Digital Commentator
- Akash Banerjee
Quotes
Deepak Baliyan
Spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party protest movement
“"The mob might have actually killed me. There was a seething anger among them because they felt the media hadn't reported their side of the story."”
telegraphindia.com
“"Let them do their job. We want to make sure that no one gets mistreated here."”
telegraphindia.com








