The Broadcast Audience Reasearch Council of India has released a statement that expresses dismay at the misuse of what they term "private and confidential communications and misrepresenting of the same."
In a recent broadcast and written article, Republic TV claimed that an email had been recieved from BARC in response to Republic CEO Vikas Khan Chandani's enquiry regarding the allegations of TRP fraud against the channel.
"BARC responded on October 17, 2020, by thanking the network for their "faith in the internal mechanisms of BARC" and said that "if there was any disciplinary action initiated against ARG Outlier Media Private Ltd, then BARC India would have communicated the same to you along with necessary documents for your response," reported the channel.
In response, BARC's statement expresses "dismay at the actions of Republic TV," and that "BARC India reiterates that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and without prejudice to BARC India's rights."
Republic TV has hailed this communication as comprehensive proof of a witch hunt hosted by the Mumbai Police. Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh had earlier accused the channel of having links to a TRP fraud case.
Several people have been arrested in connection to the case which has also lead to BARC temporarily suspending weekly TRP ratings of almost all major channels.
Republic TV CEO, COO and an editor and journalist have been questioned by the Mumbai Police previously. The channel staunchly maintains their innocence.