The Mumbai sessions court has dismissed the bail application of former Broadcast Audience Research Council CEO Partho Dasgupta after the Mumbai Police vehemently argued against granting him bail because he may influence witnesses.
The Mumbai police submitted before the court certain Whatsapp chats that allegedly depicted the depth of the bond between Dasgupta and Republic TV Editor-In-Chief Arnab Goswami. Dasgupta stands accused of using his power and influence to manipulate the Television Rating Points system to boost Republic TV to the top spot. Fakt Marathi and Maha Movies are some of the other channels involved in the scam as per the police FIR.
However, Dasgupta has argued that the chats have not been certified under the Indian Evidence Act and do not carry much credibility other than sensational value. His lawyers have submitted that there is no direct evidence of manipulation to be found in the chats.
Dasgupta was hospitalised last week due to high blood sugar levels, a day after the 500 page leaked chats purporting to be between him and Arnab Goswami were leaked to the public.