Journalists working in Bihar hardly take any special interest in stories concerning the abduction of businessmen, doctors or any wealthy person for that matter. An abduction is followed by a call for a bandh, then negotiations at the residence of some big political boss and some compromise on ransom money, and at last a piece of news appears in the newspaper that abductors released the hostage under police pressure. No one cares to do any follow up story, as this is nothing new for all those who reside in Bihar.
Sometimes police statements that appear in the newspapers seem cosmetic. If the state police is so competent at exerting its pressure on criminals then why is it that everyday someone in Bihar gets kidnapped.
But recently when a newsman became the target of abductors, the media response was very different. The cameraman of Hindustan, Ashok Karn was the target. He never thought that, apt as he was at capturing historic moments on camera, this time he himself would become the hottest item for newspapers. He was kidnapped and held hostage in his native village in Nalanda district, and a message was sent to his family demanding a ransom of ten lakh rupees.
Immediately after the news was flashed, all media persons became hyperactive. They came on the street in a procession demanding immediate release of their colleague. To exert further pressure next day, a delegation visited de facto Chief Minister Laloo Yadav who kept the delegation waiting for three hours. Later when he came out,he told the journalists to return after promising to look into the matter. Upset with his response some journalists had serious verbal exchanges with him. Immediately realising the situation, he changed his tone and gave an assurance that by evening their colleague would be released. Late in the evening, true to his words, the lensman was released.
If the chief minister’s husband is so powerful as to ensure safe release of any hostage within hours, why are victims in Bihar paying a ransom for their release? Why did Laloo Yadav assert his power only in the case of a journalist? Reacting to this episode, the leader of the opposition, Sushil Kumar Modi has directly accused Yadav of being a party to some major kidnappings in Bihar. He referred to the case of the recent abduction of a relative of Subhash Chandra, owner of Zee TV, in Bihar. The man was recently released after mediation by Laloo Yadav following the payment of Rs 5 crore as ransom.
After his relative’s safe release Chandra had reportedly gifted a Mercedes car worth Rs 55 lakh to the first couple of Bihar. When the matter was raised in the Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister replied on the floor of the house that this gift was for a temporary joy ride.
If the kidnappers have direct access to the power centre in Bihar, then why does it not make sense for the media to say so? Can they not, the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, take the cause of common man in the street in the same way as their colleague. Kidnapping and abduction is the largest industry in Bihar and the amount paid as ransom is more than the planned development expenditure of any department of the state government.
The time has come in Bihar for the media to play an activist role rather than that of a mere objective reporter. When all institutions have collapsed in Bihar, the expectation from media is very, very high.
Contact: ajay@bihartimes.com
Comment
Comments...
i read your point of view on the kidnapping of hindustan
cameraman, Ashok Karn on the thehoot.org. it's really an eye
opner. it's great to realize that at least someone somewhere in
Bihar has the guts. i know, one would never be able to read or
listen to such impinging thoughts and facts in the bihari media,
it's really inspiring.
i expect more from you.
yours sincerely,
vishal.
