Pirated DVDs worth Rs2 cr seized in a month in Mumbai

Over the past month and a half, nearly 100 people have been arrested in connection with video piracy. The seizures worth Rs2 crore included 1,66,114 CDs and DVDs, 3,700 inlay cards and 35 DVD writers.

The Alliance Against Copyright Theft (AACT) had launched a toll-free number (1800-103-1919) for people to complain about piracy incidents. The number received over 500 calls from people across the city, helping several agencies working to curb piracy along with the police.

Places where raids were conducted include Thakur Complex, Kandivli station, Oshiwara, Dadar station, Worli Naka, Dahisar, Charni Road, Azad Maidan, Fountain, Jogeshwari, Bandra, Andheri, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Panvel.

An AACT official said: “People have begun to understand how piracy affects the economy of the film industry and related things. People have also become more aware of the toll-free number.”
A senior police officer said: “Anti-piracy agencies have been active in getting information about piracy operations. They inform us about these activities, helping us plan and execute a raid. Strict action is being taken against the accused so that these operations can be ceased.”

However, police are yet to know how the masterprints used to make the pirated versions are leaked to the mafia.