India- Press and human lives

The press in India has shown great interest in deaths by killing. Every case is being investigated by the journalists in entirety. This is more true of deaths in the NCR region than in other regions of India. How many of us have seen the press taking keen interest in cases in other states? Even Prof. Sabharwals's case was not investigated that thoroughly as is being done with Nitish Katara and Aarushi case.

I sometimes wonder that the press is ignoring many other realities of India and focussing on sensational news emanating from Delhi and nearby. Honor killing in Haryana does not invite so much attention, why? Vidharbha farmers die everyday but you will find a para in newspapers and nothing more. Why?


Electronic media seems to be looking at cases that will draw maximum TRPs. They think that investigating farmer deaths and the reasons may not draw as much attention as why NOIDA police did not trace the body of Hemraj for two days. In farmers case they will have to travel all the way to the villages of Vidharbha nd talk to people. They may have to investigate about the package that was announced by the Prime Minister and also meet numerous Govt. officers. That calls for lot of hard work in the heat of Vidharbha. For a case in Delhi they may continue sitting in their air conditioned offices and talk to different people and try and make a story. A reporter may be asked to go and find out details in the courts or residences. But that is not as tough as traveling to villages with no star hotels.

The main point is that we as public are interested in all kinds of affairs and liaisons and goof ups by the police. we are ourselves insensitive to the hardships of farmers and other people who may get killed in villages. If we stop watching the sensational cases and demand that other important news be also given prominence, the press may change. I am not saying that a murder taking place in Delhi is not bad. What I am saying is that a murder or suicide in other parts of India especially villages are equally bad.