Date:15/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/15/stories/2008071555170802.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Trial by media

Your editorial (Travesty of justice, July 14) rightly condemns the way police torment suspects even when conclusive evidence to frame charges is absent. No amount of apology or compensation can undo the trauma suffered by Dr. Rajesh Talwar. The CBI now has to clinch the case expeditiously and bring the guilty to book promptly.

N.K. Vijayan,

Kizhakkambalam

Your editorial and The Hindu’s coverage of the episode are praiseworthy. The months of torture and hurt experienced by Dr. Talwar cannot be compensated in any way.

Vani Iyengar,

Bangalore

The editorial and the media reporting of the Aarushi-Hemraj murder case have raised pertinent questions on media ethics and its role in a democratic society.

Every piece of information — authentic or otherwise — was discussed in agonising detail in the name of “Breaking News” by self-styled experts in the field of investigation. Even now many TV channels have not taken the story off their menu. The media today claim unbridled rights over the lives and privacy of the common man. Such trials by the media based on half-truths, lies and rumours should be stopped forthwith.

Raunaq Rathore,

Noida

The incident is a pointer to the gross dereliction of duty on the part of police and indifference to apprehend the real culprits. The Uttar Pradesh police cannot be evasive and the Chief Minister should bring the police officials concerned to book.

Vivekananda Rao Nemani,

Hyderabad

The sinister role played by some TV channels in conducting dirty trials daily is deplorable. Those responsible for the unnecessary detention of Dr. Talwar should be punished.

Y. Jagannatham,

Vijayawada

The 24x7 electronic media which had passed its verdict on Dr. Talwar, did a somersault on his being released on bail on technical grounds. The objective seems to have been indulging in sensationalism rather than projecting social ills. In spite of her parents being doctors with a flourishing practice, poor Aarushi has been exploited by her friends and domestic help , leading to her mysterious death. The Talwars may not be guilty under the law but on moral grounds they are.

N. Ramamurthy,

Chennai

It is a shame that the Noida police were fooled by the perpetrators of the crime. The CBI deserves appreciation for its sincere work.

R. Ponnarassi,

Vellore