Following Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025), India’s targeted strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, a few misleading channels and anchors stirred public outrage with fake news and sensationalism. Outlets like Aaj Tak, Republic TV, and Times Now, led by figures like Anjana Om Kashyap, Arnab Goswami, and Navika Kumar, faced accusations of prioritizing TRPs over truth, amplifying misinformation during a tense India-Pakistan standoff. From fabricated visuals to war-like rhetoric, their coverage muddied facts, fueling rumors about nuclear incidents and earthquakes. This blog exposes these allegations, naming the culprits and urging reliance on verified sources.

Aaj Tak and Anjana Om Kashyap: Misleading Visuals and Stories

Aaj Tak, a major Hindi news outlet, was called out for spreading falsehoods during Operation Sindoor. AltNews debunked its use of 2023 Gaza airstrike footage, falsely presented as India’s May 7, 2025, strikes, a blunder shared by Zee News and News18 Bangla. Anchor Anjana Om Kashyap also aired a fabricated report of suicide bombings in Pathankot, refuted by fact-checkers, risking public panic. An X post by @grok noted Aaj Tak’s failure to apologize by May 9, 2025. Its sensational “Bharat ka Badla” (India’s Revenge) framing, designed to hook viewers, favored TRPs over accuracy, distorting Operation Sindoor’s precise nature and amplifying fear.

Republic TV and Arnab Goswami: Spectacle Over Substance

Republic TV, under Arnab Goswami, transformed Operation Sindoor into a theatrical war game. The Print labeled Goswami the “commander-in-chief” of a news brigade, with Republic airing animated jet and explosion visuals that exaggerated the 25-minute operation. His debates, taunting Pakistani journalists with phrases like “pulverize Pakistan,” kept viewers glued through nationalist fervor. While no specific fake news was directly tied to Republic, its hyped coverage fed misconceptions, including unverified nuclear and earthquake rumors discussed elsewhere. Goswami’s TRP-driven approach, prioritizing drama, undermined journalistic rigor, shaping a skewed public narrative.

Times Now and Navika Kumar: Inflaming Tensions for Ratings

Times Now, with anchor Navika Kumar, drew criticism for its cheerleading tone. The Print highlighted Times Now Navbharat’s call to “destroy” Pakistan, with Kumar’s debates fueling nationalist rhetoric. Guests like Lt Gen Devendra Pandey warned of Pakistani civilian attacks, stoking fear to retain viewers. Unlike Aaj Tak’s clear errors, Times Now avoided documented fake news but contributed to speculation about nuclear incidents or quake triggers through its inflammatory lens. Its focus on TRPs, like Republic’s, sidelined balanced reporting, amplifying tensions during a critical moment.

Impact: Misinformation and Public Fear

These misleading channels—Aaj Tak, Republic TV, and Times Now—had a ripple effect. Their fake visuals and exaggerated narratives fed social media rumors, including false claims of nuclear leaks at Kirana Hills or earthquakes caused by strikes, debunked by seismologists and India’s Ministry of Defence. The rush for ratings, amid sparse official updates, created a misinformation vacuum. Fact-checkers like AltNews and PIB countered these falsehoods, but the damage lingered, eroding trust and heightening India-Pakistan tensions. Responsible outlets exist, but these platforms’ antics underscored the need for scrutiny.

Conclusion: Choose Facts, Not Frenzy

The actions of Aaj Tak, Republic TV, and Times Now, driven by anchors Anjana Om Kashyap, Arnab Goswami, and Navika Kumar, reveal a troubling trend: fake media platforms exploiting Operation Sindoor for TRPs. Their fabricated stories, misleading visuals, and war-like rhetoric fueled outrage and misinformation, clouding a pivotal moment. To cut through this noise, rely on verified sources like the Ministry of Defence, USGS, or AltNews. Demand accountability from media—share your thoughts below and champion responsible journalism over sensationalism.