Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami Cleared as Mumbai Police Withdraws TRP Scam Case
Mumbai, 7th March 2024: On Wednesday, a Mumbai court granted permission to the crime branch of the Mumbai police to withdraw the case related to the alleged fake Television Rating Points (TRP) scam of 2020, in which Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami was an accused. Metropolitan Magistrate LS Padhen of Esplanade court allowed the withdrawal of FIR no. 843 of 2020, with special public prosecutor Shishir Hiray stating that continuing the proceedings might not result in a conviction, leading to a waste of the court’s time.
Hiray confirmed the development, stating that they applied Section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, seeking the court’s consent to withdraw the case. He highlighted that no party, including TRAI, BARC, or advertisers, had come forward claiming to be victims of the alleged offence. The decision to withdraw the case was based on the conclusion that it would not lead to a conviction and would only burden the judiciary and government resources.
Hiray also pointed out conflicting reports from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which did not support the allegations in the Mumbai police case. The ED had registered a money laundering case based on the FIR and subsequently cleared Republic TV and R Bharat of manipulating TRP numbers.
The TRP scam surfaced in 2020 when the crime branch found that employees of Hansa Research Group were manipulating sampling metering services to boost TRPs by paying individuals to watch specific TV channels. Vishal Ved Bhandari, one of those involved, disclosed the manipulation methods during his arrest.
The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) measured TRPs using barometers, and the Crime Branch filed a chargesheet in November 2020, indicating Republic TV’s alleged involvement. Arnab Goswami was charged in June 2021. More than 10 people were initially arrested, and all accused in the case were eventually granted bail.
The crime branch’s application to withdraw the case was filed in November 2023, citing the state home department’s decision considering various factors, including contradictions in the police probe. The court approved the withdrawal, and a detailed order is awaited.
