The Maharashtra cyber nodal cell on Tuesday arrested Thop TV app CEO, Satish Venkateshwarlu (28), from his Gurram Gada residence in Telangana for allegedly illegally streaming and transmitting content of TV channels and causing them huge losses.
Star India had filed a case against the android software aggregator before the ICC World Test Championship final. Star India had claimed that Thop TV is a rogue app providing illegal access to films, shows and live sports on TV, as well as video-on-demand content, without authorization from the original owner.
Police said Viacom18 Media among other broadcast channels had also approached the Maharashtra cyber police with similar complaints. Police said this app is easily available on Android, Windows, Mac and Linux devices. “Those who downloaded the app transferred money, even crypto currency, into Venkateshwarlu’s bank account,” said an officer.
A team of the Maharashtra cyber nodal cell, led by special inspector general Yashashvi Yadav, SP Sanjay Shintre and inspector Archana Sutar, reached Telangana, arrested Venkateshwarlu and booked him for cheating under the Indian Penal Code as well as under the relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Copyright act. He has been remanded in police custody till July 19.
