For those who found the saas-bahu sagas and family politics between the sari-clad ladies, or the men always dressed up in designer wear nauseating, crime shows emerged as a huge relief. These crime shows across Indian TV channels kept the audience glued to their couches.
You would be shocked to know that CID is the longest-running series on Indian television. Almost everyone has watched the show at some point. A team comprising ACP Pradyuman, senior inspector Abhijeet, and senior inspector Daya, solves cases with the help of a forensic doctor.
One thing everyone will agree with is that CID was a highly unrealistic and over-exaggerated crime show. But isn’t it sad that ACP wasn’t promoted despite solving so many cases? Ironically, he wasn’t even close to retirement.
Moving further, we have Crime Patrol in the queue. The show airs on Sony on weekends. You might not believe it, but the show is so popular that it keeps people awake till late at night to watch the latest episodes.
Anoop Soni – the anchor of the show, has gathered a large number of fans by now.
Apart from CID and Crime Patrol, Savdhan India has gained immense popularity among the Indian masses. Joining the bandwagon of crime shows, Savdhan India is performing well with the galloping TRP.
The other Television crime shows like Gumrah, Adaalat and 24 etcetera display the crime incidents in a manner that made the audience bite their nails.
Crime shows inspiring people to commit crime
Undoubtedly, these shows are intended to entertain the Indian audience and make them aware of the crimes and criminals. However, the negative impacts of such shows cannot be overlooked.
While these shows’ positive side is not being ignored, it is also necessary to consider its negative impact on the mind of the people. Despite the right intention of the show makers, the shows like CID and Savdhan India end up making criminals even more creative.
On various occasions, real-life criminals have cited shows like “Crime Patrol” and “Savdhaan India” as inspiration. And thus, it can be stated that crime-related shows inspire some people to commit crimes.
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Subhash Bokan, Public Relations Officers (PRO) of the Gurugram police, had once stated, “A few months ago, a man was murdered. His bike and dead body were thrown in a stream so that it didn’t look like a murder. When the culprits were asked how it came to their mind, they said they watched crime shows like ‘Crime Patrol’.”
Earlier in 2019, a Bhiwandi couple, who were burdened with debt for building a two-storey house and purchasing a car, an air-conditioner, and an expensive smartphone, allegedly murdered their elderly neighbour. After the murder, they disposed of her body in a lake to steal and sell off her gold jewellery. After the investigation, it was found that the accused, Somnath Wakade, a driver and his wife Neelam, an Anganwadi teacher, were reportedly inspired by a crime-based television show.
In another instance, a boy murdered his father with the help of his mother in Bihar. Police arrested the minor along with his mother. The then SP had reported that the 14-year-old had planned the murder after being inspired by Savdhaan India and Crime Patrol.
Crime shows mocking GBV cases
GBV (Gender-based violence) has become a tool to grab attention and gain higher TRP ratings. The show makers often forget that this contributes to the rape culture and a sense of apathy among people. Since only the most brutal violence can help gain TRP, shows such as Crime Patrol, Savdhaan India, Gunah and Sansani present them in a theatrical manner. They further go on to show how one can seek revenge.
Given the above instances, facts and statements, it is safe to say that the criminals have become more creative these days and all thanks to Savdhaan India, Crime Patrol and the iconic show CID. What these criminals often forget is that ACP Pradyuman and Anoop Soni are merely a fictional character and an anchor of the show respectively. All they want is to convey the message to stay safe and aware. Even if the criminals want to inspire themselves from such shows, they need to keep in mind what is waiting for them in the end.