In a recent development, Mumbai Police, on Thursday, October 8, 2020, busted thee Fake TRP racket and shared more details regarding the same in a press conference held in the city. Commissioner of Police, Param Bir Singh, claimed that the channels were manipulating the TRP ratings and the data released by BARC.
TV channels - Republic TV, Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema - are said to be involved in the racket, and officials have arrested the owners of Marathi channels Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema. Investigations are being carried out with the senior members of Republic TV.
The TRP data releasing authority, BARC installs barometers to check the ratings, and even a small change in the data affects advertising. At present, these channels earn in crores through the advertisements, and TRPs offer an opportunity to increase the rates, giving them a better preference. Several such barometers have been installed in Mumbai, however, officials are not sure where they have been installed. Investigations are being conducted to understand the process and the level of manipulation.
Singh, in the press conference, claimed that people were given money to watch the channels, and there could be a possibility of promoters and directors being involved in the same. Police will look into the funds and bank accounts to understand more.
He further added that a company named Hansa Research Group Pvt Ltd works with BARC to analyse the TRP data. A few former employees of this research group shared the data with the channels, which further led to manipulation. Reports also state that households were paid and asked to keep the channel on and running on TV, even if one did not understand or watch the channel.
A sum of INR 20 lakh has been found in the account one of the persons who has been arrested in the racket, and a total of INR 8 lakhs have been seized.
Police will share the information with the Central government and the concerned Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The team will also consider investigating and interrogating more people in the matter. However, Founder of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami, has released a statement and claims that the accusations are fake. The channel plans to file a criminal defamation case regarding the matter, against Singh.
Several leaders from Shiv Sena, NCP and other parties have appreciated the efforts taken by Mumbai Police with regards to the matter.
Earlier this month, Police also busted a social media racket whereby claims were made stating that 80,000 fake were created with a motive to defame the state government of Maharashtra and the concerned authorities, during Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death case
Share
Tweet
