7 journalists killed, 247 journalists targeted in India during 2025, India Freedom of Expression Initiative
New Delhi, 3 May 2026:ndia Freedom of Expression Initiative (IFEI) in its “India Press Freedom Annual Report 2025” released today stated that at least 247 journalists were subjected to harassment, intimidation, physical assaults, arrest and detention, and prosecution at the hands of the state authorities, non-state political actors, criminal networks, militants and other anti-social elements, stated released today.
Out of these seven journalists were murdered by the non-State actors while 29 women journalists were targeted.
Out of the total of 247 journalists, 96 were targeted by State actors, while 151 were targeted by non-State actors, including members of political parties, criminal elements, anti-social groups, militants and others. Many women journalists faced online attacks.
Among the States and Union Territories, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of attacks on journalists (25), followed by Odisha (24); Assam (21); Delhi (17); Maharashtra (19); Madhya Pradesh (15); Tamil Nadu (14); Kerala (12); Bihar (11); West Bengal (10); Andhra Pradesh (nine); Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Telangana (eight each) and Tripura (seven); Uttarakhand (six); Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan (five each); Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka (four each); and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur and Puducherry (one each).
Among the 96 journalists targeted by State actors, Tamil Nadu reported the highest with 11 journalists; followed by Odisha (10); Andhra Pradesh (nine); Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (seven each); Assam, Maharashtra and Telangana (six each); Delhi, Kerala and Rajasthan (five each); Punjab (four); Gujarat (three); Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand (two each); and Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Tripura and West Bengal (one each).
In 2025, out of the 151 journalists targeted by non-State actors, including political leaders or activists, criminals and others across the country, the highest number of attacks was reported in Uttar Pradesh (18); followed by Assam (15), Odisha (14); Maharashtra (13); Delhi (12); Bihar and West Bengal (nine each); Madhya Pradesh (eight); Chhattisgarh and Kerala (seven each); Jharkhand and Tripura (six each); Haryana and Uttarakhand (four each); Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (three each); Gujarat and Telangana (two each); and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Puducherry and Punjab (one each).
Out of the 151 journalists attacked by non-State actors, 24 were targeted by political leaders or their supporters, while 127 were attacked by criminals, anti-social elements, suspected militants, unidentified persons and others.
In terms of attacks by political leaders or their supporters, Bihar and Jharkhand reported the highest with four journalists each, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal (two each); and Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Tripura (one each).
With regard to attacks by criminals, anti-social elements, mobs, suspected militants and others, among the States/UTs, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest with 16 journalists; followed by Assam (15); Odisha (14); Delhi (12); Maharashtra (11); Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (seven each); Kerala (six); Bihar and Tripura (five each); Haryana and Uttarakhand (four each); Karnataka (three); Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and Gujarat (two each); and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Goa, Punjab, Manipur and Tamil Nadu (one each). Of these, 21 were women journalists.
“The death of seven journalists is a matter of deep concern and protection of the journalists must be a priority including trial of the accused in fast track courts.”- stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Convenor of India Freedom of Expression Initiative.
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