Ex-BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta Prima Facie "Mastermind" Of TRP Scam: Sessions Court Observes In Bail Order

Additional Sessions Judge MA Bhosale observed that it was true that 14 other accused were granted bail by the Magistrate's Court, ".. but the case paper in the present crime reflect that the accused (Dasgupta) is the mastermind of the entire crime and he is acting in his capacity of CEO to manipulate the television ratings..."

Dasgupta was arrested on December 24, 2020 in the TRP Scam and is currently lodged in Taloja Prison. He was the BARC CEO between June 2013 to November 2019.

Dasgupta approached the High Court soon after his bail application was rejected on January 16, a detailed order copy was made available only on Tuesday.

Justice PD Naik hearing his bail application reserved his plea for hearing on February 9, at 4pm, after Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hirey sought time.

In its order the Sessions Court observed that Dasgupta's bail deserved rejection on the sole ground that further investigation into the Watsapp chats is required, and he may tamper with evidence if he is granted bail.

Watsapp chats between Dasgupta and television news anchor Arnab Goswami form a part of the over 3,600 page chargesheet filed by the Mumbai Police against Dasgupta, earlier this month.

The Court held that the case appears to be more than just TRP manipulation while referring to the Dasgupta's Whatsapp chats and "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 any opinion regarding watsapp chats I am of the opinion that a thorough investigation is required."

The Court observed that it seems some "code words" were used by Dasgupta in the Watsapp chats and he would be the proper person to explain their meaning, for which, "face to face" investigation is required.

The Judge further stated that the evidentiary value of the chats will be tested at the time of the trial.

The Mumbai Police's Crime Branch registered an FIR in the Television Rating Points Scam in October, last year, on a complaint by Hansa Research Group Private Ltd.

In their chargesheet, the police has named Republic TV CEO Vikas Khanchandani, former BARC COO Romil Ramgarhia apart from Dasgupta.