A scan through any mainstream Indian news outlet today reveals a disturbing trend: a steady stream of reports on violent crime, particularly sexual assault and murder. These are not occasional stories breaking through the noise; they are the noise. It is not a matter of the occasional shocking headline. It is a daily barrage, consistent and relentless. The prominence of such reports raises a difficult question: is India experiencing an unrelenting wave of such crimes, or is the media capitalizing on sensationalism to attract readers?
The unfortunate truth may lie somewhere in between.
On one hand, the statistics point to a serious and systemic issue. Cases of sexual violence, child abuse, and brutal killings occur with alarming frequency across the country. The data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) supports this. To ignore this in the news would be irresponsible. Coverage, in this sense, serves a purpose: to document, to inform, and ideally, to provoke institutional response. But the sheer volume and the unrelenting spotlight on these crimes suggest that something deeper is at play.
On the other hand, media economics cannot be dismissed. In the era of digital news and algorithm-driven engagement, where attention is currency and outrage sells, sensational stories are powerful tools. Perhaps these types of stories generate more clicks and shares. Many news platforms are caught in the trap of monetizing trauma, feeding audiences a continuous diet of fear and anger under the guise of news. This is not just an Indian phenomenon; it’s global. But in India, the weight of these reports can feel overwhelming.
Whatever the reason, the implications are sobering. If such crimes are everyday occurrences, it reflects a deep societal rot. If, on the other hand, these stories are amplified primarily for clicks and ratings, it reflects a morally ambiguous media landscape that capitalizes on trauma and tragedy.
In either case, it tells a sad story about the country we are becoming—or perhaps already are. It is a nation where women and children live in fear, where justice is delayed or denied, and where people have grown numb to horrific headlines. The normalization of violence in our media also desensitizes us as a society, quietly eroding empathy and urgency.
There is an urgent need to address the root causes behind these crimes, while also encouraging more responsible journalism that balances the need to inform with the duty to uphold dignity. Until then, the headlines will continue to reflect a grim truth – and perhaps, even shape it.