Telangana Cyber Crime authorities have launched an intensified crackdown on online piracy after multiple complaints revealed widespread circulation of newly released Telugu films on illegal websites and messaging platforms.
According to police statements, piracy portals such as iBomma and Movierulz, along with several Telegram groups, are being used to distribute recorded and edited copies of films shortly after — and in some cases even before — their theatrical release. In one high‑profile instance, an HD copy of the film Sikander reportedly appeared online prior to its official release, exacerbating financial losses for producers and distributors.
The complaint that prompted the current operation was lodged by the ETVWIN team, which discovered links to pirated versions of its content across multiple illegal platforms. Investigations have exposed a transnational network operating from locations including Hyderabad, Dubai, the Netherlands and Myanmar. Police say the typical modus operandi involves illicitly recording screenings on mobile phones, editing the footage, stamping watermarks, and then uploading the files to piracy portals. Access is monetized — sold cheaply through websites, Telegram channels and private groups — and further disseminated via WhatsApp, Facebook groups and dark‑web links.
Authorities have already made arrests: in July, an individual identified as Kiran was taken into custody; questioning revealed further layers of the network and additional actors involved in content distribution. Cyber Crime teams are continuing digital forensics on seized devices and coordinating with international partners to trace servers, payment channels and hosting services used by the piracy rings.
Industry stakeholders welcomed the police action but urged faster legal and technical countermeasures, calling for enhanced theatre anti‑recording protocols, strengthened takedown mechanisms with hosting providers and payment platforms, and public awareness campaigns. Police say the probe is ongoing and further arrests and takedowns are expected as investigators map the full extent of the network.
Suggested newsroom extras (short bullets)
Key actors: ETVWIN (complainant), piracy sites iBomma & Movierulz.
Modus operandi: mobile recording → edit/watermark → upload → sell access via Telegram/WhatsApp.
Locations under probe: Hyderabad, Dubai, Netherlands, Myanmar.
Recent enforcement: arrest of “Kiran” (July); ongoing digital forensics and international coordination.
