pyq/2022/gs4/9

The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop forest degradation and maintain ecological balance. However, illegal stone mining is still rampant in the border district of the affected state with the connivance of corrupt forest officials and politicians. A young and dynamic SP was recently posted in the district and vowed to stop the menace. During a surprise raid, his team found a truck loaded with stones trying to escape the mining area. When the SP tried to stop the truck, the driver overran him, killing him on the spot before managing to flee. A police FIR was filed, but after three months, no breakthrough had been achieved in the case. Ashok, an investigative journalist, working for a leading TV channel, started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok uncovered the entire nexus of the stone mafia involving corrupt police, civil officials, and politicians. However, the main accused was a local MLA, who was very close to the Chief Minister. When Ashok presented his investigative report to the CMD of the TV channel, the CMD advised him to drop the story.

Questions

(a) What are the options available to Ashok?

(b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Ashok.

(c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?

(d) Which of the options would be the most appropriate for Ashok and why?

(e) What type of training would you suggest for police officers posted in districts where illegal mining activities are rampant?