TRP scam: Mumbai Police files charge sheet

TRP scam: Mumbai Police files charge sheet

12 arrests have been made in the case so far

Mumbai Police

NEW DELHI: After a rigmarole of over one month, Mumbai Police has filed a charge sheet in the court, in the fake TRP scam, which was busted by the city police following a complaint by Hansa Research Group, a part of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). 

So far, 12 arrests have been made by the crime brand in the case, including owners of Fakt Marathi, Box Cinema, and distribution head of Republic TV. 

The fake TRP scam came to light last month when rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) filed a complaint through Hansa Research Group, alleging that certain television channels were rigging TRP numbers. Hansa had been tasked with installing barometers, which record viewership data at sample households.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh last month claimed that Republic TV and two Marathi channels Box Cinema and Fakt Marathi- were involved in manipulating TRPs.

The Maharashtra government last month withdrew its "general consent" given to the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe cases in the state, in the wake of the CBI taking over a case registered by Uttar Pradesh Police against "unknown" channels and persons over alleged fudging of TRP.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently filed a money laundering complaint in the alleged TRP rigging scam being investigated by the Mumbai Police.