Ayodhya hotel staff caught filming woman bathing, several videos seized

Ayodhya: A 25-year-old hotel worker was arrested on Friday for allegedly recording a woman while she was bathing at a guest house near the Ram temple, police confirmed.

The accused, identified as Saurabh Tiwari from Bahraich district, was caught in the act by other guests at Raja Guest House, which is located just 50 metres from Gate No. 3 of the Ram temple.

Woman spots shadow while bathing

The incident occurred around 6 am when a female devotee from Varanasi noticed a shadow above her while bathing. She soon realised someone was recording her through the tin shed roof.

"She panicked, shouted for help and rushed out of the bathroom," a police official stated. Hearing her cries, male guests rushed to the spot, caught the accused, and handed him over to the Ram Janmabhoomi police station.

Shocking discovery on accused’s phone

Upon checking the accused’s mobile phone, officers found multiple objectionable videos of other women in similar situations.

According to the complainant, she had arrived from Varanasi with four others on Thursday to visit the Ram temple and had booked two rooms at the guest house for the night.

Police launch detailed investigation

Circle Officer (Ayodhya) Ashutosh Tiwari confirmed the arrest.

"This is a very serious matter. The accused was taken into custody as soon as the information was received. A case has been registered and a detailed investigation is underway," he said. The hotel premises are also being examined thoroughly.

In a separate move, the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) sealed Raja Guest House, citing unauthorised construction.

"The Raja Guest House was constructed without any approval from the authority and has, therefore, been sealed," said ADA Secretary Satyendra Singh.

The police are continuing their investigation to determine whether there were more incidents at the same location and whether the videos were distributed or shared further.

PTI inputs