Kolkata cyber police raid piracy app ‘Vedu’ after JioStar complaint; devices seized

In a significant move against digital piracy, the Cyber Crime Police in Kolkata have conducted a raid on the unauthorized streaming app known as "Vedu." This operation was initiated following a formal complaint from JioStar, marking a focused effort to combat app-based copyright infringement. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Kolkata Police Cyber Crime Station, the developers of the "Vedu" application were accused of unlawfully creating and managing the app to host, stream, and distribute copyrighted content without the necessary permissions. The platform was said to provide access to a variety of entertainment options, including movies, web series, and live sports, with some content directly linked to JioStar services. During the raid, police seized several digital devices that were part of the piracy operation. This included a laptop, two mobile phones, a router, and a modem—all essential for the app's functionality. The FIR also highlighted that the app was reportedly generating income through in-app advertisements, further monetizing its illegal distribution of copyrighted materials. In the aftermath of the operation, the "Vedu" application has gone offline, effectively cutting off access for its users. The case is currently under investigation and has been filed under various legal frameworks, including the Copyright Act of 1957 and the Information Technology Act of 2000, as well as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita of 2023.