Lens Score: Underreported News in India
The Lens Score measures the gap between how important a story is and how much coverage it actually gets. A score of 80+ means a critical story that mainstream Indian media is largely ignoring.
Below are today's highest Lens Score stories — the public-interest news that deserves more attention than it's receiving. Each story is backed by analysis of 50+ Indian news sources and ranked by coverage gap, public importance, accountability impact, and power concentration.
Today's Underreported Stories
- 90Lens
Delhi ACB Arrests Former DGHS Head in Multi-Crore Medical Procurement Scam
Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch arrested former DGHS head Dr Vatsala Aggarwal in connection with a multi-crore procurement scam involving medicines, surgical items, and medical equipment. Investigations revealed inflated costs ranging from 200 to 500 percent and manipulated tender processes favoring select suppliers, excluding genuine bidders. The probe, initiated after vigilance alerts, involves purchases worth nearly Rs 600 crore through the Central Procurement Agency. Other officials and suppliers have also been implicated, with ongoing scrutiny of procurement records and tender documents.
3 sources · Politics
- 85Lens
ED Attaches Rs 53.28 Crore Assets in Money Laundering Case Against Retired Assam IPS Officer
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable properties worth approximately Rs 53.28 crore, including four hotels in Guwahati and two flats in Mumbai, linked to retired Assam IPS officer Prashanta Kumar Dutta. The action follows a money laundering investigation based on an FIR alleging Dutta amassed assets disproportionate to his declared income during 1992-2019. The ED's probe found undisclosed assets worth about Rs 79 crore and alleged laundering through three companies, including Ishan Commercial Pvt. Ltd., which owns three hotels.
3 sources · Crime
- 70Lens
ED Seeks Kerala High Court Review of Bail for Accused in Attack on Its Officials
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has petitioned the Kerala High Court to cancel the bail granted to Harish Kumar, the ninth accused in the attack on ED officials during a May raid at former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence. The ED alleges that the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court was misled by the public prosecutor, who reportedly withheld police reports opposing bail. The agency also expressed concerns over incomplete investigations and unapprehended organizers. The High Court is expected to consider the plea soon.
2 sources · Politics
- 64Lens
NIA Chargesheets Three More Accused in 2025 Red Fort Blast Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against three more accused in the November 2025 Red Fort vehicle bomb blast that killed 11 people, raising the total accused to 13. The new charges include Muzafar Ahmad, an absconding paediatrician and founding member of the Al-Qaeda offshoot AGuH Interim, alleged to be a key conspirator involved in manufacturing TATP-based explosives. The other accused, Zameer Ahmad Ahanger and Tufail Ahmad Bhat, are linked to logistical support and arms supply. Efforts to apprehend Muzafar continue amid ongoing legal proceedings.
17 sources · Crime
- 62Lens
Uddhav Thackeray Criticizes BJP Over Alleged Ram Temple Donation Misuse and Political Defections
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has accused the BJP of betraying Hindus by allegedly misusing donations meant for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Speaking at a rally in Yavatmal, he condemned the BJP's approach to Hindutva and vowed to lead protests for a 'BJP-mukt Ram.' The controversy follows the arrest of eight individuals linked to the alleged embezzlement, with investigators recovering nearly Rs 80 lakh. Thackeray also criticized BJP's role in political defections and called for opposition unity.
6 sources · Politics
- 61Lens
NHRC Seeks Reports on Sai Krishna Custodial Death Amid Calls for CBI Probe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Andhra Pradesh police officials to submit reports on the alleged custodial death of 26-year-old Sai Krishna in Vijayawada. The NHRC cited suspected illegal detention, torture, and evidence tampering, including missing CCTV footage and disposal of the victim's body. The YSR Congress Party has demanded a CBI probe and retrieval of CCTV recordings, criticizing the state investigation as inadequate. The police officer involved has been suspended and remanded, with investigations ongoing.
3 sources · Crime
- 60Lens
Akhilesh Yadav Pledges to Develop Ayodhya Amid Ram Temple Donation Controversy
Amid allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has pledged to develop Ayodhya into a unique and exemplary religious city, termed 'Siyaram-Dham,' if his party forms the next Uttar Pradesh government. He criticized the BJP-led state government for alleged corruption and questioned its handling of the donation probe, which led to an SIT investigation and arrests. Yadav emphasized restoring Ayodhya's spiritual stature and the traditional rights of its residents, framing his party's vision as rooted in faith and integrity ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
7 sources · Politics
- 55Lens
Arunachal Governor Calls for Coordinated Efforts to Improve POCSO Case Prosecutions
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) expressed concern over the low conviction and prosecution rates in cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Chairing a high-level meeting, he urged strengthening the Directorate of Prosecution and called for a coordinated 'whole of state' approach involving law enforcement, community leaders, educational institutions, and civil society to enhance prevention, investigation, and victim support. Officials reviewed crime data and community safety initiatives during the session.
2 sources · Social
- 55Lens
Awami Ittehad Party Votes to Retain Jailed MP Engineer Rashid Despite Resignation Intent
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the jailed Baramulla MP and founder of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), expressed his intention to resign after being granted interim bail for his father's funeral. Despite his incarceration since 2019 on terror-funding allegations, Rashid won the 2024 Lok Sabha election. However, in a secret ballot involving 773 AIP delegates, nearly 96% voted against his resignation, affirming their support for him to continue as MP, citing satisfaction with his work and the electorate's mandate.
2 sources · Politics
- 54Lens
Two Gram Panchayat Officials Suspended for Alleged Rs 22 Lakh Embezzlement in Latur
Two gram panchayat officials, Satyabhama Bane and former officer Firoz Shaikh, were suspended in Latur district, Maharashtra, for allegedly embezzling over Rs 22 lakh. The financial irregularity, related to procurement under the 15th Finance Commission grants, was reported from Borgaon (Khurd) village in Jalkot tehsil. The suspension followed a complaint by deputy sarpanch Shivaji Kendre. A case has been registered, and an investigation is ongoing.
2 sources · Politics
- 54Lens
West Bengal Authorities Pursue Justice in RG Kar Case and BJP Worker Murder
In West Bengal, the father of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim expressed hope for justice, citing parallels with the ongoing Tamanna Khatun case and criticizing earlier investigation delays. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari fast-tracked the probe into BJP worker Prashanta Dey's murder, announcing arrests of 10 suspects and directing the CID to apprehend the rest. Adhikari emphasized strict legal action and support for Dey's family, underscoring efforts to uphold the rule of law amid political violence.
2 sources · Politics
- 53Lens
Five Pilgrims Killed in Head-On Collision on Karnataka's National Highway 63
Five pilgrims from Kabbar village in Haveri district died and several others were injured when a goods truck crossed the median and collided head-on with their Omni van on National Highway 63 near Bhanapur in Koppal district, Karnataka. The victims, including a family of three, were traveling to Mantralayam. Police registered a case and are investigating. Injured individuals, some in critical condition, were admitted to Koppal District Hospital and Ballari for treatment. Officials and local authorities responded promptly to the accident.
4 sources · Crime
- 52Lens
Four Dead and Eight Injured in Lightning Strikes in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara District
Four people died and eight others were injured in two separate lightning strike incidents on Friday in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, within the Baihar and Garhi police station areas. Among the deceased were Satish Walke (19), Lucky Meravi (18), and Jhaam Singh Taram (34), who died either on the spot or during hospital treatment. Several injured individuals are receiving care at district and Baihar hospitals, according to police reports.
3 sources · Generic
- 51Lens
Himachal Pradesh High Court Orders Transfer of Kullu Officials Over Kasol Rave Parties
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the transfer of the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kullu for failing to prevent large-scale rave parties near Kasol, despite prior police warnings about potential drug use and trafficking. The court directed the state government to register an FIR, form a Special Investigation Team led by an officer of DIG rank, and initiate departmental proceedings against the officials. The parties, held from June 7 to 11, attracted attendees from India and abroad with high ticket prices and extensive infrastructure.
2 sources · Politics
- 51Lens
Himachal Pradesh High Court Orders Probe into Alleged Illegal Timber Activities in Una
The Himachal Pradesh High Court is investigating allegations of large-scale illegal tree felling and timber smuggling in Una district's Gagret tehsil. The court has directed the Divisional Forest Officer to submit a detailed affidavit on forest produce movement through the Gagret check-post and ordered the District State Legal Services Authority to conduct periodic inspections. Complaints, supported by GPS-tagged photos, claim illegal transportation despite some vehicles being permitted after transit permit verification. An FIR has been filed against social media users for allegedly spreading misleading information.
2 sources · Social
- 51Lens
Delhi Police Arrest Man for Rs 18 Crore Bank Fraud After Nine Years
Delhi Police arrested Sanjeev Dixit, also known as Sanjay Sharma, 53, for allegedly defrauding multiple banks of over Rs 18 crore through forged property documents and impersonation. The 2013 case involved fraudulent transfer of property in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar using a forged sale deed and equitable mortgage to secure loans. Dixit had evaded arrest since 2017 after escaping Uttar Pradesh Police custody and was declared a proclaimed offender. Most loan accounts became non-performing assets, causing losses to banks.
3 sources · Crime
- 50Lens
Maharashtra Businesswoman and Husband Receive Rs 5 Crore Extortion Call Linked to Bishnoi Gang
Pimpri Chinchwad police registered an FIR after a 34-year-old Wakad businesswoman and her husband in Dubai received WhatsApp extortion calls demanding Rs 5 crore from a man claiming to be Arzoo Bishnoi, an aide of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The caller threatened their family with harm if the money was not paid. Police suspect the calls originated from overseas using VPNs. This case is part of a broader pattern of extortion and attacks linked to the Bishnoi gang targeting businessmen who refuse to pay.
2 sources · Crime
- 50Lens
Bonded Labour Persists in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Despite 1976 Abolition Law
Despite the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976, bonded labour persists in parts of India, notably in Punjab's brick kilns and Uttar Pradesh's industrial units. Workers, often from Scheduled Castes, remain trapped in debt-based servitude, with limited access to legal protections or rehabilitation. Recent cases reveal failures in enforcement, lack of employment records, and inadequate official response, leaving many labourers vulnerable to ongoing exploitation and cyclical bondage.
3 sources · Social
- 50Lens
Four-Year-Old Girl Abducted and Raped in Uttar Pradesh's Budaun; Police Search Ongoing
A four-year-old girl from Alapur, Budaun district, Uttar Pradesh, was abducted while watching a Tazia procession and found injured the next morning. Medical tests confirmed she was raped. Police registered an FIR including kidnapping and rape charges under the POCSO Act and are searching for the accused. The child is receiving medical treatment and counseling, while investigators are also questioning family members for leads.
2 sources · Crime
- 50Lens
Supreme Court Plea Seeks National Fire and Life Safety Framework for Public Premises
A public interest litigation filed by advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami in the Supreme Court seeks the establishment of a uniform national fire and life safety framework for high-risk public occupancy premises across India. The plea highlights recurring fire tragedies in schools, hospitals, hotels, and other public buildings, citing inconsistent state regulations and enforcement gaps. It requests time-bound directives for safety audits, compliance mechanisms, emergency preparedness, and accountability to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety nationwide.
6 sources · Politics
How Lens Score Works
Every story gets a 0–100 Lens Score based on four factors: how few sources are covering it (coverage gap), how much it matters to the public (public-interest weight), whether powerful institutions are implicated (accountability impact), and whether it crosses political-economic-religious power lines (power concentration).
A high Lens Score doesn't mean the story is hidden — it means it's being reported by far fewer outlets than its public importance warrants. Read the full methodology.