Prakash Javadekar slams targeting of Republic TV amid CEO's arrest, cites SC's criticism

Condemning arrest of Republic Media Network's CEO Vikas Khanchandani, Union Minister Prakash Javekar has stated that way Maharashtra government is targetting network, it has been criticised by Supreme Court as well. " public has also criticised ongoing witch hunt," Javekar said in a press conference on Sunday morning. network's CEO, Vikas Khanchandani was arrested by Mumbai Police on Sunday morning and has been produced before court. 

Republic CEO arrested

In a shocking move, Republic CEO Vikas Khanchandani was arrested by Mumbai police from his residence at 8:30 AM, in connection to alleged TRP scam. With arrest warrant produced at time of arrest, his wife was later sent a tice via Whatsapp at 11:55 AM. After his arrest, he has w been produced at Mumbai metropolitan magistrate court, with Repulic TV moving holiday court for its CEO's bail. Khanchandani has been alrey questioned several times by Mumbai police in regards to case. His arrest comes days after Arnab's arrest and Republic's Assistant VP Ghanshyam Singh's arrest.

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Arnab's appeal 

Appealing to citizens of country, Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami said, "I am requesting people of country to raise ir voice against se methods of Mumbai police. We are fighting this entire matter legally. But if Mumbai Police thinks that people of country and court are t watching it n it is following itself. w let me tell you why it is an illegal arrest because papers were served. His anticipatory bail hearing is tomorrow. It has realised that ir TRP investigation has gone for a toss. refore it is w picking up matters that are under purview of telecom regularity authority of India. It is illegal and stupid." 

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What is alleged TRP scam?

Commissioner Param Bir Singh h held a press conference to share details of an alleged 'TRP scam' into which police were probing - naming Republic TV and two Marathi channels - Fakht Marathi and Box Cinema. Mumbai police has arrested over 10 people till date. While Param Bir Singh named Republic TV, neir FIR, complaint, remand copy r arrested individuals' statements mention channel, inste name India Today. As per  Hansa research's ex-employee Vishal Bhandari own confession to BARC Vigilance team as mentioned in Hansa Research's report, a person named Vinay paid him Rs.5000 as commission for distributing Rs.1000 among 5 panel homes to ask m to watch India Today daily for 2 hours.

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Mumbai Police has questioned Republic Media Network's employees for over 100 hours. It has also filed a separate FIR naming top editors of network, editorial staff and newsroom in charge - invoking Section 3(1) - a 1922 law - for incitement to disaffection among members of Police Force and defaming Mumbai Police - under sections 500 and 34 of IPC, and demanded access to newsroom's software. Mumbai police's probe continues.

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