Ex-TV9 CEO Ravi Prakash seeks anticipatory bail in Telangana HC
Senior journalist and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TV9, Ravi Prakash, on Monday applied for anticipatory bail with the Telangana High Court, challenging FIRs that were filed against him by the police in Hyderabad.
The police had also issued lookout notices against him and his associates after he failed to turn up for questioning over a case of forgery against him.
The Cyberabad police are investigating a case of forgery and cheating against the former CEO of Associated Broadcasting Company Private Limited (ABCPL).
Contending that the case was being heard by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Ravi Prakash argued that the FIRs were unlawful and offered to cooperate with the police if the anticipatory bail was granted. The case is likely to come up for hearing on Wednesday.
The police have already quizzed former TV9 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) M V K N Murthy.
Earlier this month, Ravi Prakash, the founder of ABCPL, was forced to step down as CEO after the Board passed a resolution revoking all powers vested with him.
The dispute relates to Alanda Media buying more than 90.54% stake in TV9 recently. The company has alleged that Ravi Prakash actively opposed Alanda's move to appoint four directors.
"Ravi Prakash and Murthy had mala fide intention of not allowing Alanda, the majority shareholder, to participate in the management of ABPCL through its new directors," a statement from Alanda had alleged.
However, in a scathing letter, Ravi Prakash hit back at Alanda and alleged that the Board members were representatives of political honchos “who are out there to devour ‘every’ journalist and independent media house today.”
Ravi Prakash continues to be a shareholder in the company. He has been replaced by Mahendra Mishra, who has been appointed as the interim CEO.