Brand Marketing
FMCG firms cut senior roles by 32%; Total headcount shrinks 9.26% in FY25
CCI blocks legal access during raids at media agencies, IBDF office
Media agencies are yet to issue any statement related to the raids carried out in their premises.
The crux of the investigation revolves around whether these industry bodies colluded to fix commissions, manipulate pricing, or restrict fair competition.
The officials from Competition Commission of India on Tuesday blocked legal access during the raids conducted at offices of GroupM, Dentsu and Interpublic Group in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurugram. CCI officials also seized cellphones of employees at office of Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation.
The offices of of advertising agencies in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurugram were raided for alleged case against the agencies and top broadcasters over allegedly fixing ad rates and discounts. The GroupM office in Mumbai was blockaded by CCI officials for investigations. Sources told Storyboard18 that officials have seized documents and digital evidence during the raids.
Sources close to the development said, "The officials denied access to legal assistance. The officials claimed that they had search warrants but they never disclosed any atter to us. They also refused from answering any calls and seized our cellphones."
Media agencies, IBDF are yet to issue any statement related to the raids carried out in their premises.
Digital Satta crackdown: Probo founders knock on Punjab & Haryana HC’s door over FIR
The FIR names Probo directors Ashish Garg, Sachin Subashchandra Gupta, and Shweta Sharma, invoking Section 13 of the Public Gambling Act, 1867 (pertaining to gambling in streets), and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, related to cheating and dishonest delivery of property.