Why did journalist Rana Ayyub receive death threats? Police register case

Navi Mumbai: Journalist Rana Ayyub, a resident of Navi Mumbai who writes for the Washington Post, has reported receiving death threats and intimidation messages via WhatsApp from an unknown international number identified as ‘Harry Shooter Canada’. The incidents occurred on November 2, 2025.

According to officials from Koparkhairne police station, Ayyub did not respond to repeated WhatsApp calls from the number. The caller later sent messages threatening to harm her if she did not write an article for the Washington Post on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the killers of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The caller also claimed to know her personal information and address, threatening both her and her father.

Following the complaint, police registered a non-cognisable offence on November 4 under Section 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to criminal intimidation. Non-cognisable offences are minor offences where police cannot make an arrest without a court warrant.

The incident raises serious concerns over the safety of investigative journalists reporting on politically sensitive topics. Authorities are investigating the matter, highlighting the growing risks journalists face from cross-border threats and online intimidation campaigns.

Rana Ayyub, known for her investigative reporting and coverage of sensitive political issues, has been targeted with explicit threats via an international WhatsApp number. The threats demanded specific reporting on historical incidents in India, namely the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the assassinations linked to Indira Gandhi, while threatening personal harm to both Ayyub and her father.

The case was registered as a non-cognisable offence, meaning law enforcement is limited in taking immediate action without court intervention. Section 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita criminalises intimidation, and police have confirmed that investigations are underway to identify the sender and assess the credibility of the threats.

Experts and journalist safety advocates note that the targeting of journalists like Ayyub, especially those covering politically sensitive topics, highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the digital communication era. The incident underscores the broader risks faced by investigative journalists in India, where online harassment, threats, and cross-border intimidation are increasingly reported.

This case adds to concerns regarding the protection of press freedom and the urgent need for mechanisms to safeguard journalists against threats in both domestic and international contexts.
(With PTI inputs)