CCTV Inside Kanaka Durga Temple Women’s Dormitory Sparks Outrage

West Vijayawada: A shameful incident highlighting intrusion into the privacy of women came to light on Monday at the famous Kanaka Durga temple here. The revelation of a cctv camera in the changing room of the women's dormitory in the shrine, has created a firestorm and has led to sharp criticism from women's groups. It is learnt that devotees are shocked at the lackadaisical and indifferent attitude of the temple authorities in the matter. Women have demanded stern action against those responsible for this perverted intrusion into their privacy.

It is learnt that this cctv camera was installed in a choultry functioning under the temple's control, three months ago, though it was noticed only on Monday. The separate AC hall in the women's dormitory, in which there are eight cots, is usually used by groups for weddings and other special occasions. It is used as a changing room by women and it was here that the cctv camera was installed three months ago giving a panoramic view of the entire area.

Watch Video: CCTV Cameras Inside Kanaka Durga Vijayawada Temple in Women’s Dressing Rooms

On Sunday, a wedding party was housed in the dormitory. During the course of the wedding celebrations, some women including the bride used the dormitory as a changing room. At the end of it all, when men accompanying them came in to carry pieces of luggage, they noticed the cctv camera installed there. They also saw a light glowing indicating that the cctv camera was functioning and promptly took it up with the temple authorities concerned. The relevant cctv camera's footage was clearly  seen. Members of the wedding party slammed the security staff present there for the ongoing act of perversion.

It is learnt that the temple authorities have now swung into damage control mode. After the media highlighted the issue along with accompanying visuals, palpable tension built up at the shrine. The EE of the temple visited the place and denied that the cctv camera was functioning. The cameras it is learnt later went 'offline.'