Kerala Police Seize BARC Official’s Phone, Statements Recorded in Mumbai

In a major development in​ the television rating manipulation scam that shocked the media industry, the Kerala Police reached the BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) headquarters in Mumbai and seized the mobile phone of the main accused Premnath, a BARC employee.

The seized phone will be sent for forensic examination. Statements were recorded from several employees, including Malayalis. Additionally, a notice has been issued to BARC to provide detailed rating data for the period during which the fraud allegedly took place.

BARC management said that Premnath has been removed from his duties. The shocking details of the massive BARC rating scam were first brought to light by TwentyFour in November last year through the investigation, “Operation Sathya.”

The investigation team recorded statements from senior BARC officials, including Malayali officers Suma and Manoj Nair.

The Kerala Police’s next steps include forensic analysis to check if any crucial records or evidence were deleted from the seized phone. A detailed inspection of all seized documents is currently underway. The team has demanded details of SIM cards and bank accounts registered in Premnath’s name.

Premnath allegedly supplied PIN codes of areas where BARC meters were installed, enabling focused efforts in those localities to influence viewing patterns and bend the panel-based rating system.

On one cited date, the rating figures sent by Premnath reportedly matched the subsequently published weekly BARC ratings exactly, which is presented as direct proof that the data were manipulated to favour the paying channel and damage competitors.

The investigation team is currently awaiting a response to the notice issued to BARC officials regarding the rating data. The Kerala Police team includes Kalamassery SHO Dileesh T., Grade SI Sebastian Antony, and Cyber Dome ASI Delphin.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has placed a revised draft amendment for Television Rating Agencies signaling a major push to strengthen the credibility and accuracy of the country’s television rating points (TRP) framework. The update was shared in the Lok Sabha last month.

Among the key proposals to revise the TRP rating methodology is the elimination of landing-page viewership influence. Data arising from landing-page placement will no longer be counted, removing a widely exploited practice used by channels to artificially boost ratings.

Story Highlights : Kerala Police Seize BARC Official’s Phone