Netflix’s latest web series, “Scoop,” takes inspiration from real-life events surrounding the murder of senior journalist J Dey and the arrest of journalist Jigna Vora. The series, based on Jigna Vora’s book “Behind the Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison,” is brought to life by the production duo of Hansal Mehta and Mrinmoyee Lagoo Vaikul. Let’s explore the main characters and their real-life counterparts portrayed in the series:
- Jagriti Pathak (Jigna Vora): The character of Jagriti Pathak is based on journalist Jigna Vora, who was accused and arrested for conspiring to murder senior crime journalist Jyotirmoy Dey in 2011. Jigna Vora worked at “The Asian Age” at the time and faced a significant setback in her journalism career due to the case. After spending around nine months in prison, she was acquitted in 2018 due to insufficient evidence. Currently, Jigna Vora is involved in tarot card reading and writing, with a book based on her prison experiences.
- Jaydeb Sen (J Dey): In “Scoop,” Jagriti Pathak becomes entangled in the murder of senior journalist Jaydeb Sen, also known as J Dey. The real-life J Dey (Jyotimoy Dev) was tragically killed in 2011 near Hiranandani Gardens in Powai, Mumbai. Chhota Rajan claimed responsibility for the crime, allegedly due to articles written against him. In 2018, a special CBI court convicted Chhota Rajan and seven others, with Chhota Rajan receiving a life sentence. Prosenjit Chatterjee portrays the character of Jaydeb Sen in “Scoop.”
- Imran Siddiqui (Hussain Zaidi): Imran Siddiqui, Jagriti’s boss and the resident editor-in-chief in the series, draws inspiration from investigative journalist S. Hussain Zaidi. S. Hussain Zaidi held the position of resident editor-in-chief at “The Asian Age” during the incident. Zaidi is renowned for his books exploring the Mumbai Mafia World, including “Dongri to Dubai,” “Mafia Queens of Mumbai,” “Black Friday,” “My Name is Abu Salem,” and “Mumbai Avengers.” Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub delivers a remarkable performance as Imran Siddiqui in the series.
- JCP Shroff (Himanshu Roy): The character of JCP Shroff, played by Harman Baweja, has significant interactions with Jagriti throughout the series. This character is inspired by the esteemed IPS officer Himanshu Roy. Himanshu Roy served as the Joint Commissioner of Mumbai Police during the investigation of the Jigna Vora case in 2011. He later gained recognition as an encounter specialist but tragically took his own life in 2018 due to depression and cancer.
- Leena Pradhan (Meenal Baghel): Leena Pradhan, depicted as the editor-in-chief of City Mirror competing with Eastern Age in the series, is inspired by Meenal Baghel, a senior editor at Mumbai Mirror. Meenal Baghel assumed the role of editor at Mumbai Mirror in 2005 during its inception. Prior to this significant position, she served as the deputy editor at Mid Day in Mumbai, where she skillfully managed the newsroom and played a crucial role in redesigning the publication. From 1996 to 2001, Baghel contributed her expertise to the Indian Express, serving as the editor for the Sunday paper in Delhi. Before that, she successfully managed Newsline, the Express’s city supplement in Mumbai. Baghel currently holds the position of Executive Editor at Hindustan Times, is a podcaster, and has authored a book called “Death in Mumbai,” which explores the infamous Maria Susairaj case. Leena Pradhan’s character is portrayed by actress Tannishtha Chatterjee.
- AGDP Ramesh Malik (Rakesh Maria): AGDP Ramesh Malik’s character draws parallels with the renowned police officer and former Commissioner of Police, Rakesh Maria. Rakesh Maria, a former IPS officer, achieved remarkable success in solving several high-profile cases throughout his career. He played a crucial role in the investigations of the 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blasts, the arrest of Sanjay Dutt for illegal firearms possession, the 2003 Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar blasts, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the murder of Matka King Suresh Bhagat. Rakesh Maria also played a significant role in the Jigna Vora case. Jigna Vora, a journalist, was accused of being involved in the murder of senior crime journalist Jyotirmoy Dey in 2011. As Joint Commissioner of Mumbai Police at the time, Maria led the investigation into the case, overseeing the gathering of evidence and conducting thorough interrogations that ultimately led to Jigna Vora’s arrest. However, it’s important to note that Jigna Vora was acquitted in 2018 due to lack of evidence. Ramesh Malik’s character is portrayed by actor Darshan Dave.
- Rambha Maa (Jaya Cheddha): The formidable character of Rambha Maa is inspired by the notorious hardcore criminal Jaya Chheda, commonly known as Jaya Maa within the prison walls. Jaya Chheda, the wife of Suresh Bhagat, an influential matka king in Mumbai, faced a tragic fate when Suresh died in a fatal accident in 2008. Following her husband’s demise, Jaya assumed control of the Matka business and earned the nickname “Matka Queen.” However, her life took a dark turn when she was convicted for Suresh’s murder in 2013 and sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2018, Jaya Chheda was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on medical grounds, shedding light on the complexities of her life behind bars. In “Scoop,” the character Rambha Maa portrays the compelling story of Jaya, showcasing her commanding presence and influence within the prison. Rambha Maa’s role is played by Tejaswini Kolhapure.
- Sharda Maa (Sadhvi Pragya Thakur): The character of Sharda Maa draws inspiration from Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, who was incarcerated in Byculla jail during the time the series is based on, due to her alleged involvement in the Malegaon bomb blast. Jigna Vora, the central character of the series, had multiple encounters with Sadhvi Pragya during their time in jail. Jigna Vora’s book extensively explores the intricacies of Sadhvi Pragya’s life. Sharda Maa’s character in “Scoop” embodies elements of manipulation and self-interest, delving into the enigmatic world of spiritual figures entangled in the realm of crime and punishment. The role of Sharda Maa is portrayed by Shikha Talsania.