Hyderabad mandates anti-spy detectors in malls, lodges
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad City Police have directed shopping malls, hotels, lodges and paying guest (PG) hostels to install anti-spy camera detectors as part of a new safety initiative aimed at preventing the misuse of hidden cameras and protecting women’s privacy.
Notices issued to over 100 establishments
Police have already served notices to more than 100 prominent shopping malls and lodges across the city. Managements have been instructed to procure anti-spy detector devices at their own cost to identify hidden cameras. Police warned that establishments violating the new rules could face seizure.
The move follows incidents that raised concerns over women’s safety. Last year, a hidden camera was found behind a geyser in the washroom of a women’s PG hostel in Gachibowli. In February this year, another concealed camera was detected inside a hook in the trial room of a garment showroom in Ameerpet.
Weekly inspections made mandatory
Under the new guidelines, every establishment must appoint a Customer Safety In-charge to oversee compliance. The designated officer must conduct weekly inspections of trial rooms, washrooms, toilets and lodge rooms using anti-spy detector devices and maintain detailed inspection records.
Police have also directed malls and hotels to carry out thorough background verification of housekeeping and other staff. Managements have been asked to keep sensitive areas under regular surveillance and ensure there are no suspicious objects or concealed openings.
If any hidden camera or suspicious device is detected during inspections, staff have been instructed not to touch it and to immediately inform the police.
Police plan surprise inspections
Police said the introduction of anti-spy detector devices would help create a safer environment, allowing women to use shopping malls and hotels without fear. The detectors use infrared technology to identify even miniature cameras that cannot be detected with the naked eye.
Officials said the initiative would help prevent privacy violations before offences occur and increase accountability among managements. They added that stricter compliance would also discourage staff from engaging in illegal activities.
Police said surprise inspections would be conducted in the coming days and warned that legal action would be taken against establishments that fail to comply with the new safety norms.
