Skip to main content

Why is media so preoccupied with glorifying corrupted political criminals in trial?

By Harasankar Adhikari 

Now, the state of West Bengal is a lying-in room for corruption and criminals, which are unfortunately sponsored by the state. These special acts of corruption and criminalism are alleged to be the work of political cadres of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Rampant corruptions and hooliganisms in every sphere of administrative affairs and even in private affairs are under trial in the honorable High Court of Calcutta, and the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation are investigating. But it is an unnecessarily delayed process.
These scams include cheat funds, school jobs, cattle scams, coal scams, and so forth. One party cadre named Mr. Anibrata Mondal, aka Kesto, is allegedly getting the top advantage from the ruling TMC and its administration. He is the district president of the Birbhum TMC. He is popular for his political talk and threats to the opposition. He is a good organizer because he directs the administration (police and civil) according to his own will. He is popular because of his threatening politics.
He was arrested by ED for his involvement in the cattle and coal scams, and he is the mastermind behind both. He siphoned a huge amount of money, and he makes huge properties (movable and immovable), which do not support his annual income. Investigating agencies are trying to reach reality. But the state government uses hide and seek and tries to protect him with unwanted benefits, even in jail custody. The TMC Supreme is calling him the brave man of Birbhum, and one colleague of her cabinet honours him as a "tiger." So, corruption is allowed by the TMC as it is a constitutional right for the cadres of this party. As if this party comes to have the power to organise corruption and commit crimes against non-supporters.
From the very first day of his arrest, the investigating agency has demanded that he be found to be misleading and non-cooperative in this matter. So, this agency appeals to the judiciary at the state and central levels. After a lengthy wait, he is permitted to travel to Delhi to the investigating agency's central office. This is also dramatic. The state policy was unable to produce him to the appropriate authorities, and the judiciary was further ordered to provide security.
Finally, he reached New Delhi from Asansol Special Correctional Home via Kolkata. All the electronic media in West Bengal are involved in the live broadcast of the matter all day long to glorify a criminal on trial. The media is celebrating the matter for its high TRP.
Is it an act or responsibility of the media houses or channels? What messages are passing through it to the children and young? A criminal is getting priority for his corruption and anti-people acts. Will they not learn to be corrupt and criminal? The media should be more morally sincere in their every gesture. People, especially children and the young, would be inspired by this kind of publicity.
The media and their coverage conferred heroic status on a corrupted and criminal. So, corruption is brave work and getting national attention in the media. Has the media reported no other news or breaking news? Where is the media to cover people's daily struggles? Where is the media to publicize and recognize the artist, scientist, or other creative work? Only TRP-catching news coverage is the purpose. Media is also politicized unfortunately.

Comments

TRENDING

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Hoping against despair after Myanmar President’s visit to India

By Nava Thakuria  Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026 drew attention both in New Delhi and in India’s northeastern region, where policymakers and residents closely follow developments in the neighbouring country. The visit was significant because it touched on several issues of mutual concern, including security cooperation, border management, connectivity projects, trade, and regional stability.

Beyond data: The economist who refused to remain in the ivory tower

By Vikas Meshram   There are few people who are born into privilege yet choose to dedicate their lives to the cause of the poor. Jean Drèze is one such individual. Born on January 22, 1959, in Leuven, Belgium, into the family of a distinguished economist, Drèze has become one of the most influential voices in the study of poverty, inequality, and social policy in India. Having lived in India since 1979, he adopted Indian citizenship in 2002 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping some of the country's most important welfare initiatives.