New Delhi: A temple Mahant in Chhota Haridwar, Uttar Pradesh, is absconding after a woman accused him of installing a CCTV camera in the womens changing room and recording them. The alleged incident has sparked outrage in the pilgrimage town, known for its religious significance.Installed a hidden CCTV cameraAccording to the police complaint filed by a 45-year-old woman on Thursday night, the Mahant, identified as Mukesh Giri, installed a hidden CCTV camera above the changing room at Shani Mandir Ghat in Ganganahar. The live feed reportedly streamed directly to his phone, potentially capturing hundreds of women changing clothes over a five-day period.Disturbing discovery and womans accountThe woman, who visited Chhota Haridwar with her daughter on May 21, noticed the suspicious camera while changing. Alarmingly, she reported the incident to the police, leading to further investigation. Authorities confiscated the CCTV device and discovered recordings of approximately 200 women changing.Mahant on the run, police intensifies searchMukesh Giri, who reportedly faces previous charges as well, has absconded following the FIR. Police have formed teams to apprehend him.Shocking incident in Ghaziabad: Mahant Mukesh Goswami, Hindu chief priest, caught using a hidden camera to record women changing at Chota Haridwar temple. Camera feed went straight to his phone. pic.twitter.com/rKVA0Jvfm7— Prohit ji (@cHindu_slayer) May 25, 2024Temples importance and changing room detailsChhota Haridwar, a popular religious destination near Muradnagar, attracts pilgrims traveling to Haridwar and Uttarakhand. The changing room in question, situated near the temple, is an enclosed structure without a roof.Police investigation and legal actionDCP (Rural) Vivek Chandra Yadav confirmed the investigations findings. They discovered not only the live feed on the Mahants phone but also verified his exclusive access. An FIR under sections 354 (Voyeurism), 354C (Stalking), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke), and 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against Mukesh Giri. The search for him continues.Mukesh Giri, the Mahant of Chota Haridwar in Muradnagar, Ghaziabad (UP) was booked under IPC section 354, 354(c), 504 and 506 after a woman complained of CCTV in the changing room on the ghat. Police probe revealed several inappropriate footages were found in the Mahants… pic.twitter.com/qZ4uRUlTpp— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) May 24, 2024
