Four held in state-wide raids

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The anti-piracy cell (APC) conducted raids across the state on Wednesday night and arrested four people involved in selling pirated CDs.  One person was arrested in Angamaly after the APC launched a raid on a video shop. A large number of pirated CDs, mostly new Malayalam flicks and pornographic material, were seized from the shop. The shop-owner, Muhamed Yusaf of Kayamkulam was arrested by APC team headed by DySP S Rafeek. In another raid in Aluva town, more than 4000 pirated CDs were seized from a shop. Bijeesh of Wayanad, 23, and Musthafa of Kozhikode,23, were arrested in this connection.  According to the police, the duo were involved in selling pirated CDs in trains. The APC officials said that search has been launched for Nissar of Kozhikode who is the head of the racket. Another  raid was conducted at Ayoor in Kollam. Najeeb, 33, of Kollam, was arrested with 400 pirated CDs. APC SP Rajpal Meena said that the raids would continue and the shop owners of Beemapally who sell pirated CDs would be booked under the Goonda Act. APC officials said that 19 cases have been charged and 23 people arrested in connection with offences related to piracy. Besides, more than 60000 pirated CDs were seized during the raid.