The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Fake sting operation

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Friday, Sep 14, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Fake sting operation

This refers to the editorial “The sting in the tale” (Sept. 13). Journalism, as a powerful tool, can enlighten readers and viewers. But the fake sting operation aired by the Live India television channel is unpardonable. Though human memory is short, some incidents ruin the lives of people forever. It is rather unfortunate that a school teacher fell victim to personal rivalry. The operation, conducted to settle personal scores, is a blot on the media. It has defamed the fourth estate. The wound inflicted on the teacher, Uma Khurana, will take days to heal.

Inamdar Ramchandra,
Bangalore

* * * * *

Viewers believe in good faith whatever television channels telecast. It is unfortunate that the fake sting operation involving Ms. Khurana led to her being harassed, arrested, jailed, and dismissed from work. The mental agony caused to her is no doubt tremendous. She should not only be reinstated in her job, but also suitably compensated by the television channel.

A. Jainulabdeen,
Chennai

* * * * *

If the government comes up with a draconian law to curb all sting operations, the media will have only themselves to blame because self-regulation does not seem to have worked. Unfortunately, some sections of the electronic media have misused the freedom of expression.

J. Akshay,
Secunderabad

* * * * *

The editorial says journalism that relies on deception should satisfy at least three professional norms. I would add a fourth — avoid selectivity. Take the case of the BJP’s Bangaru Laxman. Other party leaders in similar positions should also have been approached. Otherwise, such operations will only help individuals and partymen settle personal or political scores.

S. Ganesh,

Chennai

* * * * *

The punishment given to the reporter and his accomplices should deter persons from indulging in the unhealthy practice of defaming individuals by fraudulent means to settle personal scores.

V. Padmanabhan,
Bangalore

* * * * *

Sting operations are welcome if they uncover corruption or other misdeeds. The persons responsible for the fake sting operation should be jailed and a hefty fine imposed on them.

K.C. Thomas,
Mumbai

* * * * *

The Uma Khurana episode has once again brought to the fore the debate on whether sting operations are ethical or not. The guilty should be punished but this one incident should not become an excuse for the government to ban sting operations. They have become an important tool of investigative journalism.

Amjad K. Maruf,
Thane

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