The Ernakulam Rural Cyber Police in Kerala have registered a case against vlogger Muhammad Nihad, popularly known as Thoppi, for allegedly creating and sharing obscene videos of his friends through social media platforms. The action was taken following a complaint filed by advocate Sreejith Perumana on Saturday, according to officials.
Background of the vlogger
Thoppi, whose real name is Muhammad Nihad, operates multiple YouTube channels and maintains several Instagram accounts. His primary YouTube channel boasts over one million subscribers. Police investigations revealed that the content on his channels frequently included offensive language and obscene material targeting his friends.
Complaint and preliminary inquiry
The complainant, advocate Sreejith Perumana, initially submitted a petition to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and the police, prompting a preliminary inquiry. A police officer from the Cyber Police Station stated that investigators examined Thoppi's social media accounts and confirmed the presence of obscene videos. The officer noted that most of Thoppi's viewers are teenagers and that he consistently used abusive language in his videos. Statements from Thoppi's friends were also recorded during the preliminary inquiry, leading to the registration of the case.
Previous run-ins with the law
This is not the first time Thoppi has faced legal trouble. In April last year, he was taken into custody for allegedly threatening a private bus crew by pointing an air gun at them near Vadakara in Kozhikode district. Earlier, in 2023, he was arrested for using abusive language in public and causing a traffic disruption in Valanchery, Malappuram district.
Legal proceedings and broader implications
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the regulation of online content, particularly content that targets individuals without consent. Police are continuing their investigation, and further legal action is expected based on the evidence gathered. The incident also underscores the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and curbing obscene material on popular social media platforms.
