The recent incident involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia at the Guwahati Police Commissionerate has reignited concerns about media ethics. Upon his arrival, journalists surrounded him, bombarding him with irrelevant questions, leading to backlash on social media. This is not an isolated case—many celebrities have faced similar harassment. Allahbadia was summoned in connection with controversial remarks made on ‘India’s Got Latent.’ While media has a duty to report, its approach must be ethical and respectful. The practice of ‘gheraoing’—aggressively surrounding individuals—blurs the line between journalism and sensationalism.
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Such conduct not only damages the credibility of the press but also fosters a culture of intrusion. In Assam, previous instances of media overreach have sparked criticism, highlighting the need for responsible reporting. Journalism’s core values—truth, accuracy, and fairness—must not be compromised for the sake of TRPs. Media professionals must recognise their role in shaping public perception. Upholding ethics is not just a professional duty but a necessity for maintaining public trust. Restraint, fact-checking, and sensitivity should guide journalistic practices.
As the Fourth Estate, the media has immense power, and with power comes responsibility. It is time for the Assam media, and the industry at large, to introspect and adopt more ethical reporting standards. Sensationalism should never come at the cost of an individual’s dignity.
