Times Now reporter Dev Kotak was assaulted while covering protests in India demanding action over question-paper leaks and the education minister’s resignation, according to a report published July 25. Protesters allegedly called his channel “Godi Media,” a term used by critics for pro-government outlets, before striking him and throwing a water bottle. Videos of the incident were recorded on mobile phones and circulated on social media.

Kotak, 36, said the crowd believed the media had not presented its views, though he said his reporting included injuries on both sides. Tensions intensified after police action against a protest march toward Parliament on Monday, in which many students were injured. The Editors Guild of India condemned hostility and attacks against journalists while warning that flawed and biased reporting can worsen the situation and weaken the media’s democratic role.

Separate allegations of attacks on journalists emerged during a march from Sealdah to Esplanade in Kolkata. One television journalist was hospitalized at SSKM Hospital, alongside other injured journalists and camera operators. West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari condemned the incidents and promised action against identified attackers. The Kolkata Press Club called for accountability, while some protesters denied that those responsible were part of the movement.