Mumbai Police Admit “Flaws” in TRP Case, Seek Exit for Arnab

Mumbai Crime Branch Moves to Withdraw Arnab Goswami’s TRP Manipulation Case

In a surprising development, the Mumbai Crime Branch has filed an application in the magistrate court seeking the withdrawal of the case against Arnab Goswami, the firebrand anchor of Republic TV, related to the alleged manipulation of Television Rating Points (TRPs). This move follows a chargesheet filed against Goswami and his staff, unraveling a significant twist in the controversy that gripped headlines in 2020.

Mumbai Crime Branch Seeks Withdrawal
The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken a bold step by filing an application before the magistrate court to withdraw the case against Arnab Goswami in connection with the TRP manipulation scandal. This move comes after a thorough investigation, with the chargesheet citing regulatory violations rather than criminal offenses.

Background of the TRP Manipulation Controversy
The case dates back to 2020 when the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh, registered a case against Arnab Goswami and others for alleged manipulation of TRPs. The subsequent probe, led by Inspector Sachin Waze, took an unexpected turn with Waze’s dismissal following his arrest in a separate case involving explosives near Mukesh Ambani’s residence.

Application Under CrPC 321
The Crime Branch’s decision to invoke CrPC 321 for withdrawal from prosecution signals a shift in perspective. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate LS Padhen has adjourned the matter to December 28, adding a layer of anticipation to the unfolding legal drama.

Government’s Call and Court’s Decision
A senior officer revealed that the government’s decision to withdraw the case was based on the lack of IPC offenses and serious flaws in the earlier investigation. The ball is now in the court’s hands, emphasizing the pivotal role the judiciary will play in determining the fate of the case.

Goswami’s Plea to Drop Charges
Arnab Goswami, not one to shy away from controversy, had approached the Mumbai police months ago, pointing out flaws in the investigation and appealing for the removal of his name from the case. His plea adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing legal saga.

Chargesheet Details and TRP Scam Unveiling
The chargesheet, filed in June 2021, included sections related to cheating, forgery, breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy under the IPC. The case stems from October 2020 when the Crime Intelligence Unit claimed to have exposed a TRP scam involving artificial inflation of viewership figures for certain channels.