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TRP scam: In bail plea, Partho Dasgupta claims no advertiser was deceived
NEW DELHI: While seeking bail from a Mumbai sessions court in the alleged TRP scam case, former Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) CEO Partho Dasgupta’s counsel claimed that no advertiser has been deceived by him. The offence of cheating was added only to include a non-bailable offence, and that there was no evidence to show that Dasgupta cheated or induced any person.
The actual stakeholders who are supposed to be affected by the alleged TRP scam are actually the advertisers and media houses who are not the complainants, advocate Shardul Singh submitted.
“No advertiser has come forward to say that it has been so deceived. The prosecution had ample time since lodging of FIR to verify this position, however it did not do so, because there is no advertiser who is deceived,” he argued.
The lawyer also mentioned that the jewellery and other articles recovered from the bank lockers of Dasgupta and his family were purchased much before the launch of Republic TV. He also questioned why Goswami has not been named in the FIR or chargesheet and pointed out that former COO of BARC Romil Ramgarhia was also released on bail despite being in an equally important position in the agency.
He further submitted that all electronics belonging to Dasgupta, which he allegedly used during his tenure as CEO, were already seized by the police, and all financial transactions and statements were also made available to them for investigation. Thus, there was no further requirement of his custody in jail.
Dasgupta was arrested on 24 December by the Mumbai police for his alleged involvement in the TRP manipulation racket. He was in police custody till 31 December, after which he was remanded to judicial custody for two weeks. The matter of Dasgupta’s bail plea has now been adjourned to 15 January.
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.
