MP Police raid alleged TV piracy network with 2,800 subscribers, one arrested

The action follows a complaint supported by electronic evidence that was submitted to the Madhya Pradesh Police after an investigation into the alleged unauthorized retransmission of JioStar channels

by e4m Staff
Published: Aug 3, 2026 3:12 PM | 2 min read

MP Police raid alleged TV piracy network with 2,800 subscribers, one arrested

A joint anti-piracy operation in Madhya Pradesh led to the registration of an FIR against Riddhi Siddhi Cable Network for illegally retransmitting JioStar television channels.
Police seized broadcasting equipment, including set-top boxes and transmitters, from the operator's control room and arrested partner Jasmit Thakkar during a raid on August 1, 2026.
The FIR, filed under multiple sections of the Copyright Act, cites alleged copyright infringement occurring between July 24 and August 1, 2026, with Kamlesh Kumar Jaiswal named as the accused.
The operation aims to combat signal piracy, which broadcasters claim causes significant revenue losses for content owners and legitimate distribution platforms.

A joint anti-piracy operation has led to the registration of an FIR against a Madhya Pradesh-based cable operator accused of illegally retransmitting television channels, with police seizing broadcastingequipment from the operator's control room and arresting one of its partners.

The action follows a complaint supported by electronic evidence that was submitted to the Madhya Pradesh Police after an investigation into the alleged unauthorized retransmission of JioStar channels.

According to officials involved in the matter, the investigation team first approached Mandsaur Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Meena, IPS. Acting on his directions, the team met City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Jitendra Bhaskar, IPS, on July 31, 2026, and briefed him on the findings of the investigation. Following the CSP's instructions, a formal complaint was lodged with Kapil, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Shamgarh Police Station.

Based on the complaint, the Shamgarh Police carried out a raid on August 1 at the control room of Riddhi Siddhi Cable Network in Shamgarh, Mandsaur district. During the search, police allegedly recovered equipment that investigators believe was being used for unauthorized retransmission of television channels.

The seized equipment included one television set, one transmitter, three "Magical Boxes", three optical receivers, one Jio Box, two NOD boxes, and one DTH setup along with a dish antenna and connecting wires.

Investigators estimate that the cable network had deployed nearly 2,800 set-top boxes (STBs) across its subscriber base. The operator was allegedly charging Rs 300 per month from residential customers and Rs 400 per month from commercial establishments for its cable television services.

Following the raid, FIR No. 0296, dated August 1, 2026, was registered at Police Station Shamgarh in Mandsaur district under Sections 37, 51, 63, 65 and 65A of the Copyright Act, 1957. The FIR records the alleged offence period between July 24 and August 1, 2026, and names Kamlesh Kumar Jaiswal alias Sonu, a resident of Shamgarh, as the accused. The case pertains to alleged copyright infringement through unauthorized retransmission of television content.

During the operation, police also arrested Jasmit Thakkar, one of the partners of Riddhi Siddhi Cable Network, as part of the ongoing investigation.

According to people familiar with the matter, the anti-piracy action has resulted in the complete cessation of the alleged unauthorized retransmission of JioStar channels by the network.

The crackdown comes amid continued efforts by broadcasters and law enforcement agencies to combat signal piracy, which the television industry says results in significant revenue losses for content owners, broadcasters and legitimate distribution platforms. The case is expected to proceed under the provisions of the Copyright Act as the investigation continues.