On June 2, The Tampa Tribune published a story ``Voyage Into Madness''
that examined a Winter Haven man's pursuit of an American who was involved in
an obscure sect in India that practiced cannibalism.
The story sparked anger from readers, mainly Indian-Americans and Hindus
in the Tampa Bay area, who felt the article unfairly tarnished Hinduism.
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Hindus Known For Nonviolence
The Tribune received a number of e-mails from concerned readers who took
offense at the article, saying it defamed the Hindu religion, and they
questioned its timing and play.
They felt the story could contribute to prejudice against Indians and
Hindus. They objected to part of the article in which Yon wondered if
tourists who had allegedly disappeared in parts of India had become victims
of sacrifice.
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Context Needed
The story did not attempt to identify how many Aghoris there were, and how
that compared with the total Hindu population of India, Williams said. That
context should have been prominently reported.
In subsequent checking, the Tribune found that no official figures exist,
Williams said. According to the Religion and Ethics Department of St.
Martin's College in Lancaster, England, in the 19th century, there were
between 200 and 300 Aghoris, ``a number that has likely declined.''
The Tribune is very aware of cultural and religious sensitivities,
Williams added.
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The Tribune meant no disrespect of the Hindu religion or of the Tampa Bay
Indian community.
In an e-mail response to reader Kiran Patel, Tribune Deputy Managing
Editor Lawrence Fletcher wrote the newspaper's intent was not to insult
anyone nor cast mainstream Hinduism in an unflattering light.
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