I&B Ministry intervenes; Sony TV not to air Crime Patrol episode on Delhi Gang Rape case

Sony Entertainment Television’s Crime Patrol (Optimystix) is a crime based show which is watched vividly by TV lovers all across the globe. The series tries to create awareness amongst masses by reconstructing and representing in dramatized form heinous crimes that are committed in society around us. Anchored by Anoop Soni, the show has a different punch and appeal altogether. Accordingly, the makers decided to throw in light and depict the barbaric Delhi Gang Rape incident which created a furor in the nation. The particular episode was all set to air tonight (11 January 2013), but in a twist, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has gone ahead to advice the channel to not to telecast the particular episode. The ministry stepped in to stop broadcast of any dramatic reconstruction of the case that led to nation-wide protests against rising number of crimes against women. The ministry has also issued a similar advisory for all television channels. The ministry also asked Sony TV to be sensitive to ground realities. We sent a message to Sneha Rajani, Business Head of Sony TV, to get more clarity on the development but she chose not to respond. Makers Sanjeev Sharma and Vipul D Shah remained unavailable. We shall try to re-connect with them. However, Hina Parmar who played the role of the rape victim shared with us, “Yes, I too heard about it and I have had a word with the production house and they said they are not sure if they can actually go ahead and air the episode tonight. The entire team worked really hard and we even shot in Delhi to get a real feel of the story. We covered almost every facet but had to edit certain sections which are too sensitive to air on television.” She continued, “The entire shooting experience moved everyone for we could understand what the girl might have been through. I often burst out in tears while playing the character. It is indeed the most challenging role of my career till date. I am disappointed that it will not reach the masses. I just hope it gets aired soon.” We also got in touch with Anoop Soni who stated, “I have also heard about it though can’t comment till I get a confirmed statement from the channel or the production house. But personally I feel there should not be any issue as Crime Patrol does not believe in sensationalizing things.” Let’s see what unfolds from here…