Do crime shows really help victims?

The series, which is hosted by TV actor Anup Soni, not only focuses on creating awareness about crimes, but it also aims to help the victims on whom their episodes are based.

Crime shows usually air dramatised versions of gruesome incidents that lead to good ratings for the series and the channel. While that might be true for most, the makers of the hit show, Crime Patrol, seem to be taking their job a lot more seriously.

Crime-Patrol

The series, which is hosted by TV actor Anup Soni, not only focuses on creating awareness about crimes, but it also aims to help the victims on whom their episodes are based.

An acid attack survivor from Jharkhand, Sonali Mukherjee, couldn’t afford the multiple operations needed to restore her face to its original state. That’s when the research team of the show got in touch with her to help her. “They flashed a helpline number on the show, and soon, people from around the world started offering their support to me, ” says Sonali, who was finally able to get the required 36 surgeries, 10 years after the attack.

Later, the team helped Rasad Mohammad, who had a chronic kidney disease and needed a transplant. While a Catholic priest, Siby Sebastian, had decided to donate his kidney to Mohammad, gathering money for the operation was an issue. Sebastian says, “The show’s team offered to help Rasad and gave him Rs 1 lakh for the operation.”

Moreover, the show’s team also helped two Assamese kids — who fought terrorists and got a bravery award — get a government job. Overall, there have been around 20 such cases, where the show’s team has helped victim.

Soni says that he feels proud to be associated with the show. “It gives me immense pleasure to see how a show can do wonders to the lives of so many people. Usually, viewers of crime shows don’t know how to offer help, but our show has bridged that gap. I appreciate the hard work the team has put in,” says the actor.