Letter to Editor

Dear Sir,

In reference to the front page article in Kolkata Edition, dated 24th March'10.The news is about the blaze at Park Street, Kolkata where more than 16 people lost their lives. It is very disturbing news and the whole nation mourn about this incident. I felt it very offensive, the way this news was published on the front page of TOI. Is the author trying to create an humorous environment by stating that "A woman, in a sand- colored salwar stood framed against a burning window. She waved for a while, either to plead for help or say goodbye, no one will ever know.Then, as people on the ground screamed 'no,no', she jumped. The sickening thud and a piercing wall pushed the shocked crowd a fer steps back.Then they surfed back. The window no longer existed.There was just a wall of flame." Is he writing a novel or a news? Should I laugh at the woman who was waving for help or saying goodbye ? What do the author think about it ? Standing on 5th floor and waving her hand doesn't means she was in a mood to have party over their and saying Goodbye.

Apart from that a picture shows the dead body of the woman ,who jumped from 5th floor, with a girl crying for help. The photographer here is busy in taking good pictures. Dont he have any moral responsibility to help the victims instead of taking pictures for the newspaper? I think Pictures are more important than human lives.

Thirdly, the front page news shows a dead body picture which I think, is totally inappropriate. How its going to affect the mindsets of children who reads your newspaper before going to school?

I am a regular reader of TOI and I am deeply depressed, the way this news has been covered. It might feel you offensive but I think some ethics and moral responsibility should have been showned by your team.Its disheartening that TOI has lowered its standard, for which it is known.

Hope you will understand the gravity of the situation and would present the news in appropriate manner.