The YouTube channel of Kerala-based content creator Mohammed Nihad, popularly known as Thoppi, has been taken down after the Ernakulam Rural Cyber Police submitted a report to the platform alleging that it carried obscene content. The action follows a criminal case registered against him in June under the Information Technology (IT) Act and marks the latest development in a series of controversies surrounding the social media personality.

Police allege that Nihad shared nude visuals of two former friends on social media after a fallout within his close circle. The Ernakulam Rural Cyber Police registered the case, saying the alleged streaming of obscene material took place while he was staying in Varapuzha.

Investigators have opposed his anticipatory bail plea before the Ernakulam Sessions Court, stating that the allegations are serious. Police had also issued notices asking him to appear for questioning, but he did not do so, according to the investigation.

Rise through gaming, followed by repeated controversies

Thoppi began uploading content on YouTube in 2020 and gained a large following through gaming livestreams. Before its removal, his channel Mrz. Thoppi had more than 711,000 subscribers. While many videos attracted tens of thousands of views, several livestreams drew audiences running into lakhs, particularly among school and teenage viewers.

His online popularity, however, was accompanied by criticism over the nature of his content. Several livestreams featured abusive language, sexually suggestive conversations and behaviour that drew repeated complaints. Some broadcasts reportedly involved a group of friends, including minors.

A public fallout within that group later brought the controversies into sharper focus. Former associates Shameer and Mammu accused him through YouTube videos of mistreating members of the group and made allegations relating to drug use, sexual misconduct and offensive behaviour. Police allege that, after the split, Nihad uploaded explicit visuals of the two former associates online, leading to the obscenity case now under investigation.

Legal scrutiny widened over the years

The latest case originated from a complaint filed by lawyer Sreejith Perumana, who sought an investigation into allegations made by members of Thoppi's former group. The complaint referred to alleged online obscenity, cyber offences, drug use and the alleged sexual exploitation of minors. Acting on it, the State Police Chief ordered an inquiry.

Although Kochi City Cyber Police and Kalamassery Police initially conducted preliminary enquiries, they did not register cases after reportedly finding the alleged offences fell outside their jurisdiction. The Ernakulam Rural Police later took up the matter after concluding that the alleged streaming occurred within their limits.

The complainant has also argued that other allegations in the original complaint require investigation and has said he will approach a magistrate's court seeking the addition of relevant provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Complaints predated the latest case

The latest developments come after several earlier complaints and police cases involving the YouTuber.

In 2023, a man from Kannur approached the district Superintendent of Police after alleging that an obscene prank call made by Thoppi in one of his videos triggered a stream of abusive calls to his mobile phone. The complainant, who had advertised his fencing business with his phone number displayed publicly, said his number was shown in the video, after which he became the target of repeated obscene calls. He claimed no action followed an earlier complaint lodged with the Sreekandapuram Police Station.

The same year, Thoppi was arrested after attending the inauguration of a men's fashion store in Valanchery, where a massive crowd gathered, causing traffic disruption. Police registered cases alleging the use of abusive language, obscene content and obstruction before he was later released on default bail.

With his YouTube channel now removed and the obscenity investigation continuing, the latest police action represents the most significant setback yet for one of Kerala's most recognisable online creators.