Sleaze, not journalism

Sir, - One is inclined to ask if your strong Editorial (Aug. 24) was not a wee bit too harsh and hasty. Of course there is no denying that the end always does not justify the means. Perhaps, the Tehelka portal may have crossed the Lakshman Rekha a little bit. But then where could one possibly draw the line in such cases, and at any rate is not this what modern investigative journalism is all about? Crime branch and vigilance departments also often resort to use of decoys for catching the culprits red- handed.Are not they bound by any professional ethics?

The stance of high moral ground and the holier-than- thou attitude of the Samata party appear to be mere hogwash, at best to create a smoke screen. Their screaming blue murder and baying for the blood of the Tehelka people is like the pot calling the kettle black, especially so with nicotine on their fingers.

They say everything is justified in love and war; maybe it is about time one added investigative journalism also to the list.

P.V. Nayar,

Thiruvananthapuram

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Section  : Opinion
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