Jana Nayagan leak case: Absconding mastermind arrested in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has arrested the alleged mastermind in the Jana Nayagan footage leak case. The latest arrests have taken the total to 19 as the probe and piracy warning continue.

In Short

• Case was registered on April 11 after the production house complaint
• Police said the leak caused significant financial and commercial losses
• Seventeen people were earlier arrested after forensic analysis and enquiries

The investigation into the leak of Jana Nayagan has taken a major step forward, with the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing arresting the alleged mastermind behind the illegal circulation of the film's footage. Authorities said the accused had been absconding for several weeks and was finally apprehended following sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the State Cyber Crime Wing said the case was registered on April 11 after representatives of the film's production house complained about the unauthorised access, copying and circulation of confidential footage from the unreleased film.

According to the police, the leak caused significant financial and commercial losses to the makers.

Investigators said they carried out extensive technical analysis, digital forensic examinations and intelligence-based enquiries as part of the probe. Based on the evidence gathered, 17 people had already been arrested at different stages of the investigation.

On June 10, under the supervision of M. Meenakshi, Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime Wing Headquarters, officials secured the arrest of the alleged mastermind, who had been evading law enforcement agencies for a considerable period.

Police also arrested another accused believed to be part of the piracy network. With the latest action, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to 19.

"The accused had been absconding for a considerable period and was actively evading law enforcement agencies. Through sustained technical surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations, the State Cyber Crime Wing successfully secured the long-absconding mastermind along with another accused involved in the piracy network," the release stated.

The leak case first came to light after footage from Jana Nayagan surfaced online in April, triggering concerns within the film industry over piracy and the unauthorised distribution of copyrighted content.

Earlier in the investigation, multiple individuals were arrested, including a freelance editor who was allegedly involved in illegally accessing and circulating the footage online.

The controversy also led to disciplinary action within the industry. Film editor Pradeep E Ragav was suspended by the editors' association for working with a freelance editor who was not registered with the body. The association, however, clarified that Ragav was not directly involved in the leak.

Produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan stars Vijay, Mamitha Baiju, Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, Bobby Deol and Gautham Vasudev Menon. The political action drama was widely billed as Vijay's final film before his full-time entry into politics.

The film's release has also faced delays over its certification process. Jana Nayagan has been awaiting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification after objections were reportedly raised over certain scenes. While the makers initially approached the court seeking certification ahead of the film's planned release, the matter was later referred to the revising committee.

No fresh update has been issued on the film's certification or release date.

Meanwhile, the Cyber Crime Wing has reiterated its warning against digital piracy, cautioning the public against downloading, streaming or sharing pirated content and stating that those involved could face strict legal consequences.

Further investigation into the case is ongoing.

- Ends