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News Desk: During the bail hearing of former Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) CEO Partho Dasgupta before the Bombay High Court today, it was submitted that the primary person involved in the Television Rating Points Scam (TRP Scam) according to the police is Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV.
The argument was made by Advocate Shardul Singh, appearing for Dasgupta, during the course of today’s hearing after Justice P D Naik enquired who according to the police was the main culprit and what was Dasgupta’s role in the entire case.
Chief Public Prosecutor Deepak Thakare informed the Court that Dasgupta had been termed as the “Mastermind of the TRP Scam” by the Mumbai Police in its supplementary chargesheet filed in the TRP Scam.
Singh contended that the co-accused in the scam – including the Chief Operating Officer of BARC who had equal ranking and power to carry out the alleged manipulation of TRPs – were released by the lower courts on bail, while Dasgupta was being denied bail.
It was further argued that Dasgupta was physically unfit and suffered from medical conditions that led to his collapsing and falling unconscious.
Singh apprised the Court that Dasgupta had been admitted to JJ Hospital last week due to his failing health, and was discharged on Friday and sent back to Taloja Central Prison hospital.
On Friday, the Court had ordered the State to submit details of Dasgupta’s medical condition. The Court was informed by Thakare today that Dasgupta’s health condition was stable and that he was receiving all medication and care as per the JJ Hospital’s prescription.
After a brief hearing on the report, the Court directed the State to ensure that Dasgupta receives medical care from the Taloja Prison hospital in the same manner as prescribed by the JJ Hospital.
In case of emergency, Dasgupta should be shifted back to JJ Hospital, the Court stated in its order.
The Court also directed Singh to file the chargesheet with the Court. However, when Singh pointed out that the document was voluminous, the Court directed the State to ensure that the relevant portions of the chargesheet are submitted for the hearing.
The matter is now posted for hearing on February 2, 2021.
A Mumbai Sessions Court on January 19 rejected Dasgupta’s bail plea. He was arrested for his alleged involvement in the scam on December 24 and was remanded to judicial custody on December 31, 2020.
