Republic TV issued a statement on Thursday in response to a press conference held by Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh. In the press conference, the commissioner identified Republic TV along with Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema for manipulating TRPs (television rating points).
Responding to the claims, Republic TV has now issued a statement claiming the Mumbai Police Commissioner is making false allegations because the network questioned him in the Sushant Singh Rajput case. Going further, Republic TV stated that it will file a criminal defamation case against the Mumbai Police Commissioner.
“There is not a single BARC report that mentions Republic TV,” the network went on to claim. Going further, the network added, “Mr Param Bir Singh’s investigation in the Sushant Singh Rajput case is under a cloud and this is a desperate measure because of Republic TV’s reportage on Palghar, the Sushant Singh Rajput case or any other case.”
The network has demanded an apology from Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh.
Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami's statement pic.twitter.com/axhbJZ47eA
— Republic (@republic) October 8, 2020
During the press conference on Thursday, the Mumbai Police Commissioner said that a probe was launched into the alleged TRP scam on the basis of a complaint by BARC. It was found that the rating agency has installed its TRP barometers at 2,000 homes across Mumbai through an agency named Hansa Research.
Interrogation of former employees of Hansa Research revealed that some of these households were bribed to keep some selective channels on all day long in a bid to increase ratings. While specifying that two people have been arrested in connection with the case, the Mumbai Police Commissioner said that Republic TV’s promoter and Editor-in-Chief (Arnab Goswami) will be issued summons later on Thursday and will have to appear before the police. Heavy police presence was seen outside Republic Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami’s residence in Mumbai on Thursday.
“As in all our previous cases of suspected panel homes intrusions, BARC India continues to follow its established vigilance and disciplinary guidelines. BARC remains steadfastly true to its purpose to accurately and faithfully report ‘What India Watches’. BARC India appreciates the efforts of the Mumbai Police and will provide the support asked of it,” BARC said in a statement issued later on Thursday.
