Journalist Rana Ayyub faces targeted harassment after right-wing handle shares her number online
Mumbai: Renowned journalist and author Rana Ayyub faced a disturbing wave of targeted harassment after a Twitter account, known as ‘The Hindutva Knight,’ allegedly shared her personal phone number online, urging its followers to contact her. Ayyub, known for her investigative journalism and outspoken critiques of right-wing politics, reported receiving a relentless stream of calls, video calls, and obscene messages throughout the night, leaving her and her family in distress and without rest.
Around 1:15 am, Ayyub’s phone began ringing incessantly, as people sent abusive messages and calls, with some even attempting to video-call her in the early hours. She took to social media to express her anguish, describing the night as a "nightmare," as she endured targeted harassment by supporters of the right-wing handle.
In a tweet tagging Mumbai Police, the National Commission for Women (NCW), and Mumbai's cybercrime unit, Ayyub wrote, “I have lived a nightmare. This right-wing handle posted my number on Twitter… My phone did not stop ringing through the night… Is this how you plan to protect women, is this how women must feel safe in the country?”
Ayyub is an award-winning journalist, whose work has brought to light critical issues within the Indian political landscape. She is best known for her investigative reporting on sensitive topics, including her extensive investigation into alleged misconduct in Gujarat during 2002, published in her bestselling book Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover-Up. Ayyub’s courage in challenging powerful figures and exposing controversial matters has earned her respect internationally, while also making her a frequent target of right-wing trolls and critics, who often attempt to silence or intimidate her through online abuse.
In her social media statement, Ayyub highlighted the growing issue of targeted online harassment of women in India, noting that her experience reflects a broader culture of intimidation that aims to silence female voices, especially those that question the status quo. She questioned the effectiveness of authorities, pointing out that despite numerous complaints to the Mumbai Police in the past, similar attacks persist. "If this can happen to me, a woman with a public profile," she stated, "I shudder to think what happens to women who might not have my privilege or platform."
Ayyub’s experience brings to light the challenges faced by women journalists in India, especially those who address politically sensitive issues. Many women in media, particularly those who critique right-wing ideologies, report receiving abuse, threats, and other forms of harassment as part of a disturbing pattern of online attacks that often go unchecked.
I have lived a nightmare. At around 1 am tonight, this right wing handle posted my number on twitter, asked his followers to text me. My phone did not stop ringing through the night. Video calls, obscene Whats app msgs. Hello @MumbaiPolice @NCWIndia, this was targeted harassment pic.twitter.com/3LOc1BaO1Z
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) November 8, 2024
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Kerala court sentences 20-year-old man in minor girl rape case
Kollam (Kerala) (PTI): A Kerala court has sentenced a 20-year-old man to 21 years of imprisonment for raping a minor girl after befriending her on a social media app.
Karunagappally Fast Track Special Court judge Rajeevan Vachal sentenced the convict to 21 years under the relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, special public prosecutor (SPP) N C Premchandran said.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1.1 lakh on the convict, the prosecutor said.
The incident occurred in 2024 when the accused befriended her on a social media app and then offered to take her to the Azheekal beach here.
However, instead of taking her to the beach, he took her to an isolated place behind the CHC hospital at Mynagappally here and raped her, the SPP said.
Following the incident, the girl attempted suicide, but was saved and then told the doctors what had happened, the prosecutor said.
The hospital authorities informed the police, who registered a case and launched an investigation.
The prosecutor said that seven witnesses were examined and 20 documents were submitted before the court to substantiate the guilt of the accused.
