Republic TV Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Shiva Sundaram has written to Mumbai Police stating that he would be available to join investigations into the alleged TRP bogus ratings scam from October 14-15 only and has asked the Mumbai police who do not continue with the investigation until a petition in the matter is heard by the Supreme Court.
“I am referring to the above subpoena issued by you on October 9, 2020 asking me to be present in your office on October 10, 2020 at 11 pm for the purpose of your investigation on the Subject’s First Information Report. From the outset, I would express my commitment to cooperate in such investigations, ”Sundaram says in his letter.
The letter then asks the Mumbai police to stop investigations until the hearing of the judicial petition filed with the Supreme Court.
“I wish to inform you that a written request pursuant to Article 32 has been filed with the Honorable Supreme Court of India (provisional application number 7848/2020) regarding the aforementioned matter and we have requested an early hearing and it is likely to appear on the list next week. As the matter will be brought before the Honorable Supreme Court soon, I ask that you not continue with the investigations in regards to Republic TV and its employees. We will join the investigations subject to the orders of the Honorable Supreme Court of India.
Also read: TRP manipulation case: what has happened so far
The letter ends by saying: “I would also like to inform you that due to some personal commitments, I am scheduled to travel outside of Mumbai for the next few days and will therefore only be available in Mumbai from October 14-15, 2020.”
Joint Police Commissioner (Branch of Crime) Milind Bharambe confirmed receiving the letter. “Republic TV CFO S Sundaram delivered a letter to the police rescheduling the subpoena that was issued to him on October 9 to join the investigation,” Bharambe said.
Meanwhile, Sam Balsara, founder, president and managing director of Madison World, arrived at Mumbai Police Headquarters to assist in the investigations.
The alleged fake TRP case came after Mumbai police claimed to have blown up a TRP rigging fraud following a complaint from the broadcast audience measurement agency Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). Police said Republic TV and two other local Mumbai channels were involved in manipulating crucial data that indicates which TV shows are watched the most and often used by advertisers to make decisions related to ad spending.
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