New Delhi: Press freedom group Reporters Without Borders has accused right wing website OpIndia of running an organised campaign targeting journalists in India. The group warned such content has led to online abuse, threats, and safety risks for media workers.
RSF analysis found OpIndia published at least 314 articles targeting journalists and media outlets between October 2023 and September 2025. Of these, 208 articles named 134 journalists. Other reports targeted independent news platforms without naming individuals. RSF said many articles used hostile labels such as anti national, liars, or fake news peddlers.
In 2025 alone, RSF recorded 91 articles between January and September. Forty three focused on five journalists. Thirty two cases saw immediate waves of online abuse after publication. RSF linked these attacks to a small network of social media accounts which regularly amplify OpIndia content.
RSF editorial director Anne Bocandé said OpIndia acts as a central driver of harassment against journalists. She described online abuse as one of the biggest threats to press freedom in India.
RSF named journalists Rajdeep Sardesai, Arfa Khanum Sherwani, Mohammed Zubair, Ravish Kumar, and Rana Ayyub among frequent targets. Media outlets such as The Wire, NewsClick, and Newslaundry also faced repeated attacks.
Independent journalist Meer Faisal also appeared in the report. RSF said OpIndia articles in June 2024 accused him of spreading false information and labelled him an Islamist. He reported threats, hate messages, and exposure of personal details.
RSF noted similar targeting of foreign journalists. After RSF listed OpIndia among press freedom predators in 2025, the website published attacks against RSF. RSF called these claims baseless. The group urged Indian authorities and social media firms to act against coordinated online abuse.
