Hidden spy cameras filming private moments:Chargers, sockets used as devices, openly sold; fitted for ₹5,000

A cleaning employee of a private company in Indore used to record objectionable videos of female employees by installing a spy camera in the bathroom. When private videos from inside the company surfaced this month, it created a sensation. Initial investigation revealed that the accused was planning to extort money by blackmailing through these videos. The most shocking thing was that he had bought this camera for merely 700 rupees. This is not an isolated case. Earlier in Gwalior too, a case was exposed where a spy camera was installed inside a fan in a hotel room to record private videos of couples. Such incidents coming to light continuously have raised a big question that how are these spy devices reaching people so easily. Why is there no control over their sale? Answers to these very questions in today’s Sunday Big Story Dainik Bhaskar’s investigation revealed that spy cameras are easily available in the market and on online platforms. These devices, available for 1000 to 5000 rupees, can be fitted into everyday items like paintings, chargers, sockets or pens. The sting operation also revealed that wholesale suppliers are selling such devices without any hesitation. They are also providing the facility to install them hidden as per requirement. ‘Everything is available from 1000 to 5000, whatever you say, we will fit it accordingly’ First the reporter inquired about normal CCTV cameras, while explaining the variety of CCTV cameras, the sales girl also told about spy cameras. Conversation between Reporter and Sales Girl Reporter: Do you also keep spy cameras… how much variety is there? Sales Girl: Sir, everything is available… starts from 1000. Good ones are up to 5000-6000. (First showed a bulb holder camera, which had a small spy cam fitted in it. Completely hidden. Not even visible.) Here’s a pen camera, button camera, fitted in mobile charger, in socket, even in mosquito repellent machine you’ll get a camera. There are such cameras that you can’t even imagine. We also fit them in scenery and photo frames. Reporter: If someone wants to install it at a specific place…? Sales Girl: We also get the fitting done. Will set it up in such a way that no one will know. You can watch live on mobile – bedroom, hall, anywhere. Reporter: Do you need to take any license to sell cameras? Won’t there be any problem? Sales Girl: No sir, there’s nothing like that. It’s being sold openly in the market. Everyone is taking them. There’s no problem. Nowadays, sales have increased even more. Reporter: Won’t there be any police hassle? Sales Girl: No, there’s nothing like that. Everyone takes them for their own work. Hotel, home, office…where they’ll install them is their business. We don’t inquire. During the conversation, an example given by another vendor present at the shop made the entire matter even more serious. Conversation between reporter and another seller Seller: Sir, an officer madam is coming now. She has got a camera fitted in a scenery. We have kept it ready. She will come to collect it. (A large framed photo was shown in the shop, decorated with pearls and shiny lights. A camera was fitted very neatly in between.) Reporter: How do you do this? Seller: We can fit it in painting, clock, scenery, toys, fan – any item. Just that it should have electricity supply. Reporter: What will be the charge for this? Seller: The scenery will be yours. We will install a WiFi camera in it for around 3500 rupees. Fitting will cost 1000 extra. The memory card charge will be separate depending on how many GB it is. Reporter: How many days will it take to prepare? Seller: We will prepare and deliver the complete setup in two days. What do the rules say about cameras? Cyber law expert Yashdip Chaturvedi explains, “In India, CCTV and video recording are regulated under Right to Privacy, IT Act and Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. Cameras can be installed at home or shop, but they should not be positioned in such a way that they cover the neighbor’s private area.” Installing cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, washrooms, changing rooms or locker rooms is completely illegal. It is mandatory to give notice when installing CCTV in public or commercial places.