NEW DELHI: The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) on Sunday expressed disappointment with Republic Network for disclosing their private & confidential communication and misrepresenting the same.
In a statement, ir said that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and is providing necessary assistance to the investigation into the ratings manipulation scam.
"BARC India is highly disappointed with the actions of the Republic Network by disclosing private and confidential communications and misrepresenting the same. BARC India reiterates that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and without prejudice to BARC India’s rights, it expresses its dismay at the actions of the Republic Network," the ratings agency said.
The statement came in response to Republic Network's claim that an email from BARC contradicts the allegations levelled by Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh.
The alleged fake TRP scam came to light when BARC filed a complaint with the police through Hansa Research Group, alleging that certain channels were rigging TRP numbers to lure advertisers.
In the ongoing investigation into the scam, Mumbai Police have so far arrested six people for allegedly influencing ratings.
BARC on Saturday had said that its efforts presently are focused on "individuals" responsible for infiltrating homes to influence the data.
Meanwhile, ARG Outlier Media Pvt Ltd, which owns Republic TV, and its editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami moved the Bombay high court seeking to quash the FIR lodged against the channel in the alleged fake TRP scam. The petition has also sought a direction to transfer the case to the CBI.
(With inputs from agencies)