Within a couple of days of the horrible murder of Radhika Tanwar, a Delhi college student, our News channels were out screaming for justice. The constant screams were ‘48 hours and no arrest, 72 hours and still no arrest’! While one sympathizes with the victim and the family nothing can explain this outrageous behaviour by the media. CNN-IBN has even announced a special program ‘Justice For Radhika’! Looks like they seem convinced Radhika won’t get justice or that CNN-IBN would be the one to force police action to render justice to the victim. All this within three days of the incident.
While there is a lot to be desired of our police services they are surely not magicians to trace a killer in what was almost a ‘hit and run’ murder in a public place, with no witnesses coming forward. Little does the media seem to appreciate that investigating crimes is painstaking work and requires a great deal of scientific and logical process. Chest-beating by the media is more a hindrance than any use to an investigation. Have they forgotten the Aarushi case already?
CNN-IBN now has egg on its face for prematurely trying to run a campaign called ‘Justice for Radhika’. This is almost akin to scavenging. At the time of writing this the Delhi police have already arrested a person called Vijay alias Ram Singh in what seems to be an outcome of some sensible investigative work. Due process will reveal whether Vijay was indeed the killer but all evidences and history seem to add up.
There is a need for the media to report but equally important to allow reasonable time for police officials to do their jobs. Excessive breast beating only hampers investigations. One hopes CNN-IBN learns a lesson and shows restraint and patience.
A word on DCP Dhaliwal. He comes across as a level-headed and well meaning police officer. But he would do well not to speak to the media when he is in the middle of an investigation of a terrible crime. This is best left to the PRO of the police department.
The pattern appears to be clear. Nothing works like a good crime for our media. A good sensational crime and the scavengers will be in great business. Sick! Venal!
Another amazing and sensible post Ravinar! Wonder what would stop media from commercializing crimes and causing more pain to already agonizing families. What is more surprising is the quickness with which they forget all the Arushi's and Radhika's in pursuit of another hot crime story! Truly disgusting and venal.
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ReplyDeleteour media has become hustlers to earn out of anything be it murder, terrorism, strike, bandh, abduction, extortion, scam, court stricture, arrest, release, acid pouring, counter offense, anything they will talk in favour of victim, needless to say ad. in the middle thus they have driven the media for venal than informative.Beat the bush of course meaningless and once another crime comes in notice, they will efface the old to its fate.
ReplyDeleteBut one exception, there will be no news if from elite family more to the point if from Nehru gandi clan
I agree. The DCP today held an elaborate press conference.... stating that the police have detained two accomplices of the main accused. As for the main accused, they "knew his identity, but could not disclose it", "knew where he was but could not disclose it" and "he would be arrested in the next 48 hours".
ReplyDeleteThis is insane! Why does the police bow to media pressure and hold such press conferences so soon into the investigation and giving out details of an impending arrest, raising the possibility of the main accused escaping based in the information revealed via press!!
This is height of irresponsibility. Both on the part of media and Delhi Police. The cops have got to stop trying to prove themselves to the media. They are answerable to the people and I'd rather they build a solid case and catch the real culprits rather than do a hasty job just to shut the media up.
You'd think that after 26/11, these TV channels would learn a few lessons but when has learning been their forte......?
the media channels, esp the english ones are more crazy in my opinion. They are catering to page 3 people, when they talk of giving their so called justice. Barkha D(b)utt acts as a congress agent, she lobbies for people. Where is the justice there.
ReplyDeleteArnab goswami hails from assam, but never talks about the congress-ulfa links. Where is the justice there.
1 rape daily, in delhi.. But our Shiela Dick-Shit is least bothered. She is worried about her son's ngo only. Wher is the justice now.
Rahul gandhi raped a girl then bent all rules, with no media coverage of his perverted lifestyle. Where is the justice ther..