23-Year-Old Kerala Man Arrested for Hacking Police and Telecom Sensitive Data Systems

Pathanamthitta authorities have arrested a 23-year-old man accused of illegally accessing sensitive data normally restricted to police and telecommunication agencies.

The Pathanamthitta Cyber Police detained Joel V Jose, a resident of Kottamukal in Adoor, following intelligence reports about his illicit activities. The arrest took place on Friday after authorities received information about potential cybersecurity breaches.

According to the official FIR, since February 2025, Jose allegedly utilized various online tools to obtain unauthorized access to live location tracking and Call Data Records (CDR) of multiple individuals. He reportedly employed his mobile phone, laptop, and internet connectivity to circumvent computer security protocols.

The police report states: "He violated computer safety norms, hacked computer systems and websites, and accessed live locations and call data records of certain individuals, subsequently distributing this information for financial gain."

Law enforcement officials have confiscated Jose's mobile phone and laptop for detailed forensic analysis. Authorities emphasized that the type of data Jose allegedly accessed—CDRs and live location information—is legally available only to authorized police personnel and telecommunication operators.

The case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Information Technology Act, including section 43 (damage to computer system), section 66 (computer-related offenses), and section 72 (breach of confidential information).

Police are currently interrogating the suspect to determine his methods and identify which specific systems or websites were compromised during his alleged operations.

A senior police officer involved in the case commented: "The investigation is at a critical stage. Additional information will be disclosed as the investigation progresses."