A single channel was run throughout the day by paying money to the people of these houses so that the TRP of the channel would increase.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started an investigation in the Fake TRP case by registering a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to sources, it was the Mumbai Police who requested the ED to investigate the matter. The Mumbai Police has also handed over documents related to financial transactions of several channels to the ED. The Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Mumbai Police has so far arrested 12 people in this case. These include Ghanshyam Singh, the distribution head of Republic TV channel.
The matter is also pending in the Bombay High Court. Two weeks ago, the Bombay High Court sought an answer from the Maharashtra Government, Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh and other police officers in a similar case in connection with a petition.
More than 12 people of Republic TV have been questioned
Ghanshyam Singh has been questioned many times before. According to crime branch sources, Singh is not just the distribution head at Republic Media Network but also the assistant vice president. Not only Ghanshyam Singh, but CIU has also called more than 6 people of the top rank in Republic TV channel for questioning.
Employees of some more channels under scrutiny
Republic channel was also named in the channels whose owners/promoters were wanted in the remand application of some accused last month. Apart from Republic, people associated with News Nation, WOW, Fakt Marathi, Box Cinema and Maha Movie Channel channel are also under investigation.
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A total of 12 people have been arrested in this case so far. Out of these, two accused Umesh Mishra and Ashish Chaudhary have also become approvers of CIU. The CIU has so far taken statements of several witnesses. Several witnesses have been deposed before the magistrate under section 164 of the CRPC so that they do not turn back in court during the case. The statements of some of those in whose houses TRP meters were installed have also been recorded.
What is the TRP Scam?
Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh disclosed the case a few days ago, stating that during the investigation such houses have been found where TRP meters were installed. A single channel was run throughout the day by paying money to the people of these houses so that the TRP of the channel would increase. In response to a question, the commissioner also said that up to 500 rupees were given daily to these families from the channel or agency.
The work of installing People’s Meters in Mumbai was given to an agency named Hansa. Some people of this agency carried out the alleged scam in association with the channel. During the investigation, Hansa’s former employees shared confidential household data.
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