Hyderabad: In a significant breakthrough against digital film piracy, Telangana Cybercrime Police have shut down the widely used piracy platforms iBomma and Bappam TV after arresting their alleged administrator, Immdi Ravi, on Saturday. Officials revealed that the shutdown was executed using server and login credentials obtained from the accused following his arrest. The action comes after repeated complaints from Telugu film producers over severe financial losses due to illegal distribution of newly released movies and OTT content.
Investigators stated that Ravi had been operating the iBomma network from Caribbean islands, managing the upload and distribution of pirated content targeting audiences worldwide. The websites became a hub for instant access to cinema releases, prompting the film industry to intensify pressure on law enforcement. Police sources noted that Ravi had earlier issued a public challenge claiming that authorities would never be able to trace or apprehend him, a statement that has now drawn wide attention following his arrest.
During the operation, police seized hundreds of hard disks suspected to contain high-resolution pirated films and supporting data. The devices are currently being examined to uncover the broader network involved in the piracy operations. Officials confirmed that a custody petition will be filed before the Nampally Court on Monday to continue interrogation and identify additional individuals connected to the piracy syndicate. The crackdown marks one of the most decisive actions yet in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat digital piracy and protect intellectual property in the entertainment sector.