The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation of the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining was still prevalent in the border district of the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone mining mafia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia working with blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him.
a. What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?
b. Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.
c. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?
d. Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
e. In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant? (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
Options Available for Ashok:
a. Options Available:
b. Critical Evaluation of Each Option:
c. Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Ashok:
d. Recommended Option:
Publish the Investigative Report:
e. Suggested Training for Police Officers:
By addressing these aspects through targeted training, police officers can be better equipped to handle corruption and illegal activities in their jurisdictions effectively
Model Answer
Introduction
The case of Ashok, an investigative journalist, highlights significant ethical challenges in the context of illegal stone mining and corruption involving officials and politicians. As Ashok navigates the pressure from his TV channel’s CMD to suppress his report, he faces crucial decisions that impact not only his career but also the broader societal implications of corruption.
Body
(a) Options Available to Ashok
(b) Evaluation of Each Option
(c) Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Ashok
(d) Most Appropriate Option for Ashok
The most appropriate option for Ashok is to publish the investigative story. This action aligns with journalistic principles, promotes transparency, and serves the public’s right to know. Despite the risks involved, it contributes to accountability and can lead to necessary change in combating corruption.
(e) Suggested Training for Police Officers in Affected Districts
Conclusion
Ashok should prioritize exposing the corruption, thereby fulfilling his role as a journalist committed to truth and justice. Additionally, police officers in districts plagued by illegal mining should receive thorough training to combat corruption and enforce environmental laws effectively.