Not a case of simple TRP rigging: Court

While rejecting the bail application of the former CEO of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) Partho Dasgupta recently, a sessions court has observed in its order that it appears that it is not the case of simple TRP manipulation, but more than that.

“It appears from the papers put forth before me, it is not the case of simple manipulation of TRP, but more than that. However, before forming an opinion on the WhatsApp chats, I am of the opinion that thorough investigation is necessary,” Additional Sessions

Judge MA Bhosale stated in his reasoned order.

The court further said that it appears some code words were used by Dasgupta in the chats and face-to-face investigation is necessary to find their meaning, as he is the proper person to explain the communication. Denying him parity with the other 14 coaccused who got bail in the TRP rigging scam, the court said that the case paper in the present crime reflects that Dasgupta is the “mastermind of the entire crime” and that he is acting in the position as CEO to manipulate the television ratings through a mechanical device.