The role of mainstream media and social media in Nirbhaya Gang rape case

The media plays an important role in today’s society through strengthening individuals to express their opinions about the morals and vices in the world. Kumar (2013) noted that media has become as necessary as clothing and food in society since it helps both the marginalized and the powerful to get the justice they deserve in various situations. The mainstream media and social media are considered to be mirrors of the contemporary society since it shapes the people. Hallam (2012) noted the purpose of the social and mainstream media is to keep the people informed about the current affairs and the latest fashion and gossip. The social media such as facebook and twitter are used to market and trade products and services since most of the people are using digital devices. Adi (2014) noted that Media in the community is in charge of education, information, advertising, entertainment and correlation of various parts of society.

Nirbhaya gang rape case

A female physiotherapy intern 23 years old was beaten and gang raped on 16 December 2012 in Delhi and died few days later while she was undergoing treatment for gastrointestinal and brain damage from the disastrous ordeal (Bhandopadhyay and Singh, 2015). The lady and her male companion had gone to watch a film in Saket in South Delhi that evening. After the movie they boarded a bus at Munirkwa that was headed to Dwarka that they thought was public. There were five other passengers on the bus who were friends of the driver. The lady’s friend became suspicious when the bus started going to the wrong direction and when the doors were shut. The young man tried objecting but the other men started taunting the couple, demanding to know what they were doing during those late hours. The lady’s friend was gagged, beaten and knocked till he became