Dev Kotak, a reporter for Times Now, was assaulted and beaten by a mob while covering a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi [1, 2].

The attack on a member of the press during a public demonstration raises concerns regarding the safety of journalists covering civil unrest in India. Such incidents often signal a volatile environment where media workers face physical risks while documenting political grievances.

Kotak was reporting on a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) [1]. The demonstration focused on alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examinations [1]. Jantar Mantar is a frequent site for such political gatherings in the capital, serving as a central hub for activists and protesters to voice demands to the government.

According to reports, Kotak had been covering the CJP protest for 23 days [2] before the assault occurred. The nature of the attack involved a crowd turning violent against the journalist as he performed his duties.

Times Now and other news outlets have highlighted the incident, questioning whether the individuals involved were legitimate protesters or hired goons. The assault occurred amid the broader tensions surrounding the medical entrance exam controversy, which has sparked widespread anger among students and educators across the country.

Local authorities have not yet released a full statement regarding arrests or the specific identities of those involved in the mob. The incident adds to a growing list of confrontations between reporters and political factions during high-tension protests in urban centers.

“Dev Kotak, a reporter for Times Now, was assaulted and beaten by a mob”

This incident underscores the precarious position of journalists in India when covering highly charged social issues. The transition from a peaceful protest to a mob attack on a reporter suggests a breakdown in security and a potential increase in hostility toward the media during political mobilizations.