Sushant’s case is all the rage, but where is real journalism?

Young Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden demise took the entire nation into a sudden state of shock over the fact that such a talented and gifted actor committed suicide because of mental health issues. A few days after his death though, conspiracy theories about the actor’s death were going viral on social media everywhere.

Sushant’s family accused his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty of Sushant’s alleged murder, and managed to get a CBI investigation sanctioned on his death as well. On the other hand, the Hindi Media is busy covering all aspects of the case, right from Rhea’s WhatsApp chats to if she’s a drug user, and if she is – what kind of drugs she uses, to what someone thinks of Sushant, to the statements given by anyone they can get to talking, to anything and everything else.

The Hindi media has gone into a frenzy over this case, despite that India’s top investigation body – CBI, is investigating the case. Rhea Chakraborty has become a scapegoat for the media, she has become a person they can channel all of their hate upon. They are not only invading her privacy, but are also defaming her when the truth is still not known. Had this been a star kid and not some outsider, like Rhea Chakraborty, the treatment and coverage would have been so much different. When the debate of nepotism has gained such fuel in these past days, is it not justice to make sure it applies to Rhea as well, despite what she has or has not done?

The truth about Sushant’s death – whatever it maybe – will eventually come out someday or the other, there’s no need in talking about it like clockwork, for days together when there are more important things to concentrate on. Coronavirus continues to be at large in the world, and is affecting thousands of people all over the world. The deaths due to Coronavirus have gone beyond the mark of 60,000 in India itself, and the situation is still worse in the US.

On the other hand, there are other issues that would yield great results if the media covered them properly, like farmers issues and migrant labourers issues. These issues are often overlooked and never get the coverage they require, because of which no one cares about them. Just imagine what kind of impact it would make if these issues were properly touched upon by the media?

What happened to proper journalism, that is supposed to bring to light the sufferings of people? What happened to proper journalism, that is supposed to focus on what’s really important?