Telangana high court grants bail to iBomma Ravi in online piracy case

Hyderabad: Telangana high court on Tuesday granted conditional bail to Emandi Ravi alias iBomma Ravi, accused of online piracy and unauthorised distribution of newly-released Telugu films through the iBomma website.Granting relief, Justice K Sujana said that Ravi had been in judicial custody for over 90 days since Nov 18, 2025, that a substantial portion of the investigation had been completed and relevant material had already been collected. The court also observed that the chargesheet had not yet been filed and that no material was placed before it to justify further custodial interrogation.
Ravi, who faces four criminal cases, has been described by investigators as the mastermind behind a major movie piracy racket. Public prosecutor Palle Nageshwar Rao opposed the bail, arguing that Ravi could influence witnesses, tamper with evidence and misuse his technical expertise to interfere with digital proof. He also expressed concern that Ravi might flee the country using his foreign passport. The judge said such apprehensions could be addressed by imposing strict conditions. "Considering the nature of allegations, the period of incarceration already undergone and the stage of investigation, this court deems it fit to grant bail to the petitioner subject to conditions," the judge said. ‘Surrender passport'The court directed Ravi to execute a personal bond of ₹25,000 with two sureties for a like amount in each case, surrender his Saint Kitts and Nevis passport within one week and not leave India without prior court permission. He was further ordered to appear before the station house officer daily between 11 am and 5 pm until the chargesheet is filed, and thereafter as required by the investigating agency. To ensure a fair trial, the court barred Ravi from contacting witnesses or tampering with evidence and prohibited him from using virtual private networks, proxy services or encrypted communication platforms to conceal identity or engage in online activities related to the allegations. The court also directed him to cooperate with forensic examination of digital devices, accounts and data whenever required and restrained him from associating with persons connected to the alleged offences. It permitted the prosecution to seek cancellation of bail if any of the conditions are violated.