Indian journalist who exposed corruption targeted in online smear campaign

Indian journalist Anand Mangnale, known for his corruption investigations, has been targeted in an online smear campaign launched after allegations were made by a member of parliament from the ruling BJP party.

Indian journalist Anand Mangnale has been the target of a massive online smear campaign, following a statement by ruling party MP Nishikant Dubey. On December 5, Dubey accused Mangnale of being involved in an attempt to undermine the Indian government through foreign funding.

Reporters Without Borders writes about this.

«Investigative journalism is key to exposing corruption and holding the authorities accountable. Attempts to discredit public interest journalism through smear campaigns set a dangerous precedent for press freedom. We call on the BJP to respect the role of journalists in a democracy and stop using its influence to intimidate the press,” said Be Lih Yi, Asia Program Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). 60~/p>Journalist Anand Mangnale, a regional editor for the Organized Crime and Corruption Investigation Project, is known for his reporting on corporate abuses, financial irregularities and corruption, particularly at the Adani Group, one of India's largest conglomerates.

The official social media account of India's ruling party, X, supported Dubey's accusations, claiming that Mangnale had been raising funds for the opposition party and had transferred “Chinese money” to the government. a person accused of involvement in the 2020 Delhi riots.

The party cites a report by the French publication Mediapart in its allegations, but Mediapart has denied the allegations, saying the party misused their report to discredit independent journalism.

This situation comes after the U.S. Department of Justice in November 2024 indicted Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, and his associates for allegedly bribing Indian officials to obtain contracts and misleading American investors about the company's anti-corruption practices.

Anand Mangnale told CPJ that he expects the case to increase legal pressure on him over these events.

In May 2024, Indian authorities summoned him for questioning on suspicion of involvement in terrorism through his work at Newsclick. Formal charges have not yet been filed. Mangnale was also among the journalists spied on by Pegasus.

CPJ did not receive comment from Nishikant Dubey or party spokesman Sambit Patra.