Mumbai: Hidden camera found in Malad East hotel room, couple raises safety concerns

Hotel AI in Malad, where the hidden camera was allegedly found in a room. Pic/Satej Shinde

A young couple allegedly found a hidden camera concealed inside an electric plug point in their hotel room in Malad East, raising serious concerns over guest safety and privacy. Police said the incident took place at A1 Hotel, on the third floor of Pragati Shopping Centre on Daftari Road. The complainant, a 21-year-old woman, had checked in with her fiancé on December 27 and was allotted room no. A-3 around 9.40 pm.

At around 9 am the next day, the woman noticed a wire protruding from an unused socket near the room door. On inspection, a mini camera was found hidden inside the plug point. The couple immediately alerted police by dialling 103.

Dindoshi police seized the device and recorded the woman's complaint. "In her complaint, the woman has alleged that the hotel owner, manager and other concerned persons deliberately installed the hidden camera to secretly film guests, including herself and her partner, without their consent," said a police officer.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act. Police said the spy camera has been sent for forensic examination. No arrests have been made so far. A detailed probe is underway to ascertain whether similar devices were installed in other rooms and if more guests were illegally recorded. Attempts by mid-day to contact the hotel management were unsuccessful, with staff refusing to share the manager's contact details.

How to spot spycams

Dip Mehta, partner, Ernst and Young LLP, suggested these steps:
1. Dial through your phone and go near suspicious spots. Disturbance during calls indicate a device is around
2. Switch on the FM radio on a phone and place it near key areas
3. Frequent travellers should consider carrying a portable bug-detection device
4. Using an electric tester near sockets can help identify dummy fittings