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Hyderabad OYO Hotels Dark Scandal
Hotel Owner Arrested for Installing Hidden Cameras
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the city, a 30-year-old hotel owner from Hyderabad has been arrested for allegedly installing hidden cameras in his hotel rooms. The owner, identified as Pothuri Ganesh, has been charged with spying, blackmailing, and extorting money from unsuspecting couples who stayed at his hotel, Hotel Sita Grand, affiliated with OYO Rooms.
The Modus Operandi of the Accused
Ganesh’s criminal activities came to light after a couple, who had fallen victim to his blackmail, decided to report the matter to the police. According to K Balraju, the circle inspector of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport police station, Ganesh had ingeniously hidden cameras inside the bulb holders of the hotel rooms. These cameras were positioned to capture the private moments of the guests, particularly targeting young couples.
Once the footage was captured, Ganesh would watch these intimate moments live. He would then contact the couples, threatening to expose their private moments unless they paid him a significant sum of money. This despicable act not only violated the privacy of the individuals involved but also placed them in a vulnerable position, forcing many to comply with his demands out of fear of social stigma.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The police acted swiftly upon receiving the complaint from the couple. A search operation was conducted at Hotel Sita Grand, leading to the discovery of hidden cameras and two mobile phones that were allegedly used by Ganesh in his illegal activities. The police seized these items as evidence, and Ganesh was promptly arrested.
Absence of Recorded Videos
Interestingly, despite the sophisticated setup, the police were unable to find any files containing intimate visuals of couples during their search. This has led to some uncertainty regarding the extent of Ganesh’s operations. Circle Inspector Balraju mentioned that the seized cameras and mobile phones would be sent for forensic analysis to determine if any footage had been deleted or transferred elsewhere.
Charges Filed Against Ganesh
Ganesh has been booked under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 77 (voyeurism) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These charges reflect the severity of his actions, which not only constituted a gross violation of privacy but also involved elements of sexual harassment and voyeurism. Following his arrest, Ganesh has been sent to judicial remand, where he will await further legal proceedings.
Citywide Initiative to Enhance Safety
In response to the growing concerns about hidden cameras in public and private spaces, the Hyderabad police have launched a new initiative in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS). This initiative aims to inspect shopping malls, public spaces, and other high-traffic areas for hidden or spy cameras, particularly in female changing rooms, washrooms, and other sensitive areas.
As part of this initiative, female experts will be deployed to conduct thorough inspections in these spaces, ensuring that the privacy and safety of women are not compromised. The inspections will be random and periodic, targeting both large and small shopping areas across the city. The police have emphasized that this initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to bolster safety and security for women in Hyderabad..
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when staying in hotels or using public spaces. While the arrest of Ganesh is a significant step towards justice, it also underscores the need for individuals to be cautious and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The Hyderabad police’s proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future are commendable, but public awareness and cooperation are equally vital in ensuring that such violations of privacy do not go unchecked.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on reports from credible sources. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Readers are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
