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
- 75Lens
RJD Plans August 19 March Against Bihar Government Over Police Firing Incident
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has announced a march to Lok Bhavan on August 19, 2026, protesting the Bihar government's response to student demands and the alleged use of an AK-47 by police during a July protest in Siwan. RJD leaders, including Lalu Prasad and Mahagathbandhan allies, plan to submit a memorandum to the Governor. The government has transferred police officers involved, but the RJD demands suspension of the Siwan SP. The incident highlights tensions over education issues and police conduct in Bihar.
2 sources · Politics
- 70Lens
Madras High Court Directs Reforms and Training to Strengthen Child Protection Laws
The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to form a committee to address systemic gaps in criminal laws related to children, following a public interest litigation concerning the acquittal of an accused in a 2017 child assault case. Separately, the court emphasized the need for judicial officers handling child sexual offence cases to receive practical training to approach child witnesses with empathy, ensuring evidence is gathered without causing trauma. Both rulings aim to improve child protection within the legal system.
2 sources · Politics
- 68Lens
Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe into Indiabulls Housing Finance Allegations
The Supreme Court directed the CBI to independently investigate financial irregularities involving Indiabulls Housing Finance, now Sammaan Capital, and related entities, including transactions previously examined by Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW). Sammaan Capital clarified it is not accused but considered a victim in alleged quid pro quo arrangements involving its former promoter Sameer Gehlaut and several corporate groups. The court emphasized the need for fresh probes and status reports amid concerns over investigation progress.
5 sources · Crime
- 68Lens
Delhi Police Face Show-Cause Notices Over Delay in Rescuing 15-Year-Old Girl
A 15-year-old girl from Saharanpur was rescued in Delhi after being lured by a man, but police delayed her rescue by nearly seven hours due to jurisdictional disputes among Kashmere Gate, Kashmere Gate Metro, and ISBT police stations. The Delhi Child Welfare Committee issued show-cause notices to the involved officers and criticized the handling of the case, citing harassment and trauma to the girl. The officers have been asked to provide explanations and action reports by August 19.
2 sources · Crime
- 67Lens
CBI Arrests DGMS Deputy Director and Two Others in Mining Bribery Case
The CBI arrested U. Siva Shankar, Deputy Director (Mining) at DGMS Hyderabad-III, and two others for allegedly accepting a Rs 2 lakh bribe to issue a favorable report in a June mining accident case in Prakasam district. The arrests occurred during a sting operation at Ongole, with simultaneous raids in Hyderabad, Kadapa, and Prakasam. The investigation revealed prior payments and involvement of company representatives and a middleman in securing the report without implicating the mining company.
3 sources · Crime
- 67Lens
Enforcement Directorate Conducts Raids in Kerala Over CMRL-Exalogic Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at eight locations in Kerala, including Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, investigating alleged money laundering linked to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, owned by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, T. Veena. The probe follows earlier searches and involves allegations of fraudulent payments under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Kerala High Court upheld the investigation's validity. Raids also targeted associates of former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, Veena's husband, as the agency traces financial transactions.
5 sources · Crime
- 67Lens
Kiren Rijiju Defends Police Response to Student Protests Amid Opposition Criticism
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended police handling of recent student protests over exam irregularities in Delhi and Bihar, stating no serious injuries or deaths occurred despite large crowds and alleged infiltration by political agitators from parties like AAP, Bhim Army, and Samajwadi Party. He contrasted this with past Congress-led protests, which he said involved lethal force. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi disputed Rijiju's claims, citing injuries from pellet guns and baton charges, and accused the government of misinformation. The police denied excessive force, and investigations continue.
12 sources · Politics
- 66Lens
Delhi Police Affidavit in Supreme Court Denies Excessive Force Amid Protest Allegations
Delhi Police filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court denying the use of excessive force during recent protests, referencing an 'escalatory matrix' to justify their actions. However, the affidavit did not address allegations regarding the use of pellet guns. The ongoing legal proceedings focus on determining whether the police or protesters crossed the line during the demonstrations, with discussions continuing on the appropriate response and accountability.
2 sources · Politics
- 66Lens
Delhi Court Rejects Gujarat Police Plea Over Minor's Custody in 2008 Case
A Delhi court rejected a plea by four Gujarat Police officers accused of kidnapping a minor boy in 2008 to pressure his father, an accused in a case, to surrender. The court criticized the officers for taking the child from his mother in Delhi and transporting him to Gujarat, calling their actions unrelated to official duty and likening them to "colonial overlords" using the child as bait. The boy was reportedly confined and abused during the journey. The court ruled no prior government sanction was needed to prosecute the officers.
5 sources · Crime
- 66Lens
TMC MP Mahua Moitra Files Privilege Notice Over Late-Night Circuit House Eviction
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra filed a privilege notice with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against three West Bengal officials, alleging a breach of protocol after being asked to vacate a circuit house in Krishnanagar late at night on August 14. Moitra claimed this was part of a broader effort to hinder her parliamentary duties and sought protection from intimidation. CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan also urged a formal inquiry into the incident. The officials named include the Nadia District Magistrate and others.
6 sources · Politics
- 65Lens
BJP and BRS Demand Probe and Resignation Over Telangana Section 22A Land Issue
The BJP has called for a Lokayukta probe into alleged irregularities in Section 22A land transactions in Telangana, urging Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to act and suggesting possible ED and CBI involvement. BJP leaders accuse the Revenue department of including private lands worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore improperly. Meanwhile, the BRS demands the resignation of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, blaming him for confusion caused by the prohibited land list and calling for its cancellation. Both parties criticize the handling of the issue and seek accountability.
2 sources · Politics
- 65Lens
CJP Urges Government to Submit FIR List and Withdraw Cases Against Protesters
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has urged the government to promptly submit a state-wise list of FIRs registered against students and protesters during the July 20 protests, as requested by the Supreme Court. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das criticized the government for delaying this process and failing to honor commitments to withdraw FIRs and compensate affected families. The party emphasizes that genuine protesters should not face legal action, distinguishing them from individuals accused of serious crimes, and warns of further political action if demands remain unmet.
2 sources · Politics
- 65Lens
Hyderabad Police Seize 36 Tonnes of Adulterated Ghee in Citywide Raids
Hyderabad police, in coordination with the Food Safety Department, seized 36 tonnes of adulterated ghee and related raw materials during raids at 130 establishments, including 39 manufacturing units and 91 selling outlets. The synthetic ghee was reportedly made by mixing palm oil, vanaspati, starch, skimmed milk powder, and artificial flavors to mimic genuine ghee. Products were sold under labels like "100 Pure Ghee" despite failing labelling standards. Samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, and further legal action is planned.
7 sources · Crime
- 64Lens
NGT Directs Measures to Protect Kshipra River Ahead of Simhastha 2028
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has directed the Ujjain Municipal Corporation and Collector to prevent untreated sewage discharge into the Kshipra River ahead of the Simhastha Mahaparv 2028. The NGT emphasized the river's environmental and cultural importance, noting current sewage generation of 85 MLD, expected to rise to 350 MLD during the festival. The State Pollution Control Board must conduct inspections every 15 days and enforce remedial and punitive actions for violations.
2 sources · Politics
- 64Lens
Delhi's Fire Preparedness Rated Average Amid High Unplanned Construction
Delhi faces significant fire-safety challenges, with around 80% of its construction unplanned and only about 5% of buildings holding Occupancy Certificates, according to Chief Fire Officer A.K. Malik. The city's fire preparedness is described as average, hindered by unregulated development, poor compliance with building by-laws, and insufficient fire services infrastructure. Delhi has 71 fire stations and 2,500 firefighters, below the required 120 stations and over 12,000 personnel. Third-party fire-safety certification has recently been introduced but its effectiveness remains to be seen.
2 sources · Social
- 64Lens
India Intensifies Food Safety Enforcement; Several Firms Rectify Labeling and Hygiene Issues
India's food safety authorities have intensified enforcement across the food and beverage sector, targeting hygiene violations, adulteration, and misleading labels. Several restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturers faced license suspensions or closures due to issues like expired stock, infestations, and deceptive marketing. Notably, outlets of major chains and warehouses of companies like Swiggy and Zepto were affected. Separately, six companies including Dabur India and Ferns N Petals rectified labeling and advertising violations following notices from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
8 sources · Business
- 64Lens
Supreme Court Forms Panel to Probe Police Actions During Delhi Student Protests
The Supreme Court of India has decided to form a high-powered committee comprising retired judges, a former Director General of Police, and an ex-CBI director to investigate allegations of police excesses during the July 20 student protests in Delhi over the NEET paper leak. The panel will examine video evidence, complaints of violence, sexual assault, and online harassment of protesters. The court also indicated it may quash FIRs against students without serious criminal records, emphasizing the right to peaceful protest and the future of the youth involved.
27 sources · Politics
- 64Lens
Two Separate Sexual Assault Cases Involving Minors Reported In Palghar District
Two separate cases of sexual assault involving minors in Palghar have emerged. In one, two 17-year-old boys allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl after befriending her on Instagram, recording the assault, and threatening her family; the crime came to light when the video was circulated. In another case, a 10-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted by her uncle, with the family accusing police of initially refusing to register an FIR. Both incidents are under investigation with cases filed under relevant laws including the POCSO Act.
3 sources · Crime
- 63Lens
Odisha Vigilance Arrests Officials in Multiple Bribery and Financial Irregularity Cases
The Odisha Vigilance Department arrested a revenue inspector for accepting an Rs 8,000 bribe related to a Scheduled Caste certificate application, with prior allegations against him. Separately, a government doctor in Bhubaneswar was caught taking a Rs 30,000 bribe from an NGO for signing work certificates. Additionally, a former cooperative society secretary was arrested for financial irregularities involving unaccounted paddy causing a Rs 42.31 lakh loss. A former junior engineer was also convicted for bribery and sentenced to three years imprisonment.
3 sources · Crime
- 63Lens
Kerala Political Dispute Over Governor's Executive Authority Between CPI(M) and UDF
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) accused the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala of ceding executive power to Governor Rajendra Arlekar, alleging undue influence by the RSS. The UDF government, led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, denied these claims, stating it had protested the Governor's actions and highlighted similar incidents during the previous Left Democratic Front administration. The dispute reflects ongoing political tensions over gubernatorial authority and executive control in Kerala.
2 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.