: The State Anti-Piracy Cell (APC) on Sunday arrested one person on charges of piracy after film director and producer Sreekumaran Thampi lodged a complaint stating that several of his films were being illegally uploaded and screened on the Internet.
According to a statement from B. Varghese, Superintendent, APC, the accused, Shibu Jacob of Muvattupuzha, was arrested based on the complaint lodged by Mr. Thampi last week, stating that several of his films, including classics like Chattambi Kalyani , were being uploaded and screened on various websites.
An investigation led by D.K. Prithviraj, Circle Inspector, APC, led the Cell to Shibu, who was arrested. Over 1,000 pirated CDs of Malayalam movies were seized from him.
Shibu, APC officials said, had uploaded the movies on various websites.
But when he realised that the police were on his trail, he deleted some of these films from the sites. However, examination of his computer revealed details of the uploaded movies. Further investigations are on. Shibu is believed to be one of the key links in video piracy in the Central Kerala region, the officials said.
Statewide raids by the APC earlier this week had resulted in the arrest of four other persons. Samad of Cheruvathoor near Kothamangalam, who had copied and sold latest Malayalam releases, was arrested. Zakir Hussain of Karunagapally was arrested for the sale of pirated CDs of Malayalam movies.
Isthal Sheikh, a native of West Bengal, was arrested from Perumbavoor on charges of selling clips of pornographic movies. Over a lakh such clippings and a computer were seized from him. Nithin, owner of Riya Mobiles at TB Junction in Punalur, was arrested on charges of supplying porn clips.
An investigation led by D.K. Prithviraj, Circle Inspector, APC, led the Cell to Shibu, who was arrested. Over 1,000 pirated CDs of Malayalam movies were seized.
