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TRP scam: ED order makes no mention of Republic TV
NEW DELHI: The provisional attachment order of the enforcement directorate (ED) in the long drawn TRP scam investigation includes no evidence against Republic TV's alleged involvement in rigging of Broadcast Audience Research Council's (BARC's) viewership ratings. The 60-page order under s. 5 of the Provisions of Money Laundering Act, 2002 carried the details of the months-long probe conducted by the central agency.
In its provisional order, the ED has divulged details of various past and present relationship managers at Hansa Research Group who were allegedly involved in the manipulation. The order also identifies a financial trail between November 2019 to September 2020 with regard to manipulation of television rating points by three TV channels – Fakt Marathi, Box Cinema and Maha Movie.
However, there are no details of any alleged involvement of Republic TV, which has been made a suspect in the case by the Mumbai police ever since the scam broke out in October last year. In a rejoinder affidavit filed in the high court in February, ARG Outlier Media had submitted that the law keepers in Mumbai had "falsely implicated" it and the entire case against its channels and employees arose out of an “unparalleled political vendetta” and a “deeply malicious witch hunt.”
Senior officials of Republic TV told indiantelevision.com that the ED order reflects what it has stated all along: that it was innocent; that it had no role to play in tampering of any TRPs.
"There were vested interest groups in the industry and in the political firmament and the Mumbai police who twisted facts and bundled the Republic name with the perpetrators of the crime to gain undue advantage," says a senior executive. "And they used all their clout to try and bring us to our knees. But, truth has prevailed and will prevail."
Earlier this week, the Bombay high court too had asked the Mumbai police if it intends to proceed with the investigation against Republic TV and its editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, considering that the channel remains a ‘suspect’ on police records, even after filing of two charge-sheets in connection with the case. In response, the Mumbai police maintained that they have adequate evidence in the case and are still collecting additional evidence. The police also submitted that they had the right to investigate a case for as long as required in the absence of any statutory regulation.
The scam had come to light in October last year when BARC lodged a complaint with the Mumbai police through Hansa Research Group, alleging that certain television channels were rigging TRP numbers by bribing households where BARC bar-o-meters were installed to tune into a particular channel throughout the day.
Last Thursday, the ED provisionally attached assets worth Rs 32 crore belonging to the three TV channels. “Fakt Marathi, Box Cinema, and Maha Movie entered into a criminal conspiracy to cheat, and committed the offence of criminal breach of trust, forgery in order to gain wrongfully by manipulating TRPs of these television channels," the ED stated. “It is absolutely clear that the entire revenue generated by these three channels from May 2019 to May 2020 was generated by increasing TRPs.”
As many as 15 arrests have been made in the case, the most prominent being former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta, who recently got bail after furnishing a bond of Rs 2 lakh. The arrested people were charged with cheating, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
