Sopore, Dec 03: Following the media coverage of the murder of a man by his wife and lover in Zaloora, the Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore issued a stern warning to certain news portals engaging in media trials of the affected children and obstructing investigations at the crime scene.
SSP Sopore warned that strict action will be taken against such portals.
Earlier, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Baramulla urged media outlets to delete content related to the incident to prevent further harm to the affected children.
“The unethical reporting over the unfortunate incident in the Zaloora (Sopore) murder case wherein the sentiments and statements of the children of the deceased are misinterpreted is deeply worrying,” the DIPR said in a statement adding, “Media outlets should adhere to ethical conduct and standards keeping in view the integrity and rights of vulnerable individuals. Removal and deletion of such content is crucial to prevent further harm to the affected children.”
Ethical concerns have been raised over the misinterpretation of sentiments and statements of the deceased’s children in media coverage.
Advocate Aasif Wani, a lawyer at the High Court in Srinagar commenting on the incident, expressed deep concern over the “irresponsible” media coverage, highlighting how minor children were compelled to discuss their family’s tragedy before the camera.
“The ongoing media coverage of the alleged Sopore murder is highly disturbing. How irresponsibly minor children are compelled to speak about their family’s tragedy before the camera. They are made to discuss their accused mother’s alleged extramarital affair.” he said.
The lawyer said such explicit disclosure is not only insensitive and unethical but also punishable under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act.
Citizens have condemned certain online portals for their coverage and called for a ban on social media pages involved in the explicit interviewing of the deceased’s children.
Meanwhile, netizens have appealed to the district administration to enforce a blanket ban on unregistered social media pages and scrutinize their coverage.
The deceased Riyaz Ahmad, initially found dead under mysterious conditions, prompted pleas from relatives and neighbours for authorities to investigate the matter.
Subsequent police investigations revealed the involvement of the deceased’s wife and her boyfriend in the heinous crime.
