Latest news with #KochiCyberPolice
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Australia revokes Kanye West's visa over Heil Hitler song: ‘We don't need that'
Malayalam actor Minu Muneer was arrested by Kochi Cyber Police following a defamation complaint from filmmaker Balachandra Menon over derogatory social media posts. Muneer, who was released on bail, had previously accused several industry figures, including actor Mukesh, of sexual misconduct. Her allegations have sparked controversy in the Malayalam film industry, leading to significant discussions within the community.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Malayalam actor Minu Muneer arrested by Kochi Cyber Police over defamation complaint, later granted bail
Kochi (Kerala) [India], July 2 (ANI): Malayalam actor Minu Muneer was arrested by the Kochi Cyber Police following a defamation complaint filed by veteran filmmaker and actor Balachandra Menon. The arrest stems from allegations Muneer made on social media, which Menon claimed were defamatory in nature. She was released on bail shortly after being taken into custody. The Kerala High Court had earlier dismissed her anticipatory bail plea. She is the first accused in the case, which was registered in 2024. She reportedly made repeated derogatory posts about him on social media. Minu Muneer also filed a complaint against actor and MLA M Mukesh, who represents the Kollam Assembly constituency and is a leader of the CPI(M). Meanwhile, the arrest marks a new development in a controversy that has roiled the Malayalam film industry in recent months. In a series of social media posts and subsequent interviews, Muneer had publicly accused several prominent industry figures of sexual misconduct and abuse during their professional collaborations. In August last year, Muneer named actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, alleging both verbal and physical harassment. She also mentioned Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and an individual named Vichu. 'I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasoorya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble and Vichu, in the Malayalam film industry,' she wrote, claiming the incidents forced her to leave the Malayalam film industry and shift to Chennai. In a detailed account given to ANI, Muneer expanded on her allegations. 'Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully... After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me,' she said. She also accused actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju of making inappropriate suggestions about her hotel stay during a film shoot, describing his behaviour as 'unprofessional and unsettling.' The incidents she referred to reportedly date back to 2013. The allegations surfaced in the wake of growing dissent within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following unrelated controversies that led to the resignations of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their posts in the organisation. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Malayalam actor Minu Muneer arrested, released on bail after actor-director Balachandra Menon accuses her of defamation
Malayalam actor Minu Muneer was arrested by the Kochi Cyber Police following a defamation complaint filed by veteran filmmaker and actor Balachandra Menon. The arrest stems from allegations Muneer made on social media, which Menon claimed were defamatory in nature. She was released on bail shortly after being taken into custody. Balachandra Menon filed a complaint on Minu Muneer for defamation. The Kerala High Court had earlier dismissed her anticipatory bail plea. She is the first accused in the case, which was registered in 2024. She reportedly made repeated derogatory posts about him on social media. Minu Muneer also filed a complaint against actor and MLA M Mukesh, who represents the Kollam Assembly constituency and is a leader of the CPI(M). Meanwhile, the arrest marks a new development in a controversy that has roiled the Malayalam film industry in recent months. In a series of social media posts and subsequent interviews, Muneer had publicly accused several prominent industry figures of sexual misconduct and abuse during their professional collaborations. In August last year, Muneer named actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, alleging both verbal and physical harassment. She also mentioned Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and an individual named Vichu. "I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasoorya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble and Vichu, in the Malayalam film industry," she wrote, claiming the incidents forced her to leave the Malayalam film industry and shift to Chennai. In a detailed account given to ANI, Muneer expanded on her allegations. "Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully... After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me," she said. She also accused actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju of making inappropriate suggestions about her hotel stay during a film shoot, describing his behaviour as "unprofessional and unsettling." The incidents she referred to reportedly date back to 2013. The allegations surfaced in the wake of growing dissent within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following unrelated controversies that led to the resignations of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their posts in the organisation.
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Malayalam actor Minu Muneer arrested by Kochi Cyber Police over defamation complaint, later granted bail
Kochi (Kerala) [India], July 2 (ANI): Malayalam actor Minu Muneer was arrested by the Kochi Cyber Police following a defamation complaint filed by veteran filmmaker and actor Balachandra Menon. The arrest stems from allegations Muneer made on social media, which Menon claimed were defamatory in nature. She was released on bail shortly after being taken into custody. The Kerala High Court had earlier dismissed her anticipatory bail plea. She is the first accused in the case, which was registered in 2024. She reportedly made repeated derogatory posts about him on social media. Minu Muneer also filed a complaint against actor and MLA M Mukesh, who represents the Kollam Assembly constituency and is a leader of the CPI(M). Meanwhile, the arrest marks a new development in a controversy that has roiled the Malayalam film industry in recent months. In a series of social media posts and subsequent interviews, Muneer had publicly accused several prominent industry figures of sexual misconduct and abuse during their professional collaborations. In August last year, Muneer named actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, alleging both verbal and physical harassment. She also mentioned Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and an individual named Vichu. "I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasoorya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble and Vichu, in the Malayalam film industry," she wrote, claiming the incidents forced her to leave the Malayalam film industry and shift to Chennai. In a detailed account given to ANI, Muneer expanded on her allegations. "Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully... After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me," she said. She also accused actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju of making inappropriate suggestions about her hotel stay during a film shoot, describing his behaviour as "unprofessional and unsettling." The incidents she referred to reportedly date back to 2013. The allegations surfaced in the wake of growing dissent within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following unrelated controversies that led to the resignations of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their posts in the organisation. (ANI)
New Indian Express
04-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Fraudsters take new route, scams using fake traffic e-challans on rise targeting Kochi vehicle owners
KOCHI: Beware of e-challans for traffic violations received via WhatsApp. Cyber fraudsters could be behind them. In recent weeks, a growing number of vehicle owners in Kochi have become easy targets of cyber fraud after receiving fake traffic e-challans through WhatsApp. According to the police, two such cyber fraud incidents were reported this week from Thrikkakara and Vazhakala. Recently, a Kangarapady native lost Rs 99,000 after receiving a fake traffic challan for 'violations' involving his car. Similarly, a 37-year-old Vazhakala resident lost Rs 85,000 in a similar fraud. Last month, Kerala Police had issued a warning about such scams being reported across the state. Kochi Cyber Police are conducting an investigation into both these incidents. 'It is one of the emerging cyber fraud trends in recent months. While frauds like scamsters impersonating police officers or offering fake online jobs have declined, e-challan scams have increased. The fraudsters approach victims through WhatsApp messages — unlike genuine e-challans, which are sent via SMS or email,' said an officer of the Kochi Cyber police station. The officer added that fake challans are sent via WhatsApp and often include accurate vehicle registration details. Fraudsters inform the victims that their vehicle has violated traffic rules and must pay a fine. 'They are told that the fine must be paid through the 'Mparivahan' app. A link to an APK file is provided to install the app, but it is actually a screen-sharing tool. Once installed, fraudsters gain access to the victim's phone and their online banking and UPI apps,' the officer explained. Police have urged the public to cross-check any e-challan notifications using the official Mparivahan app or the Parivahan website. If the fine is imposed by the police, it can be verified through the Kerala Police website. The fake apps are designed to closely mimic the official 'Mparivahan' app, making it difficult for the public to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent applications. 'Install the Mparivahan app only from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Never install apps using APK files, as it is the most common trick used by cyber fraudsters. For any verification, the public can also contact the nearest MVD office,' the officer said and added in case of losing their money the victims should immediately report it on National Crime Reporting Portal by dialling 1930.
