BHUBANESWAR: A 26-year-old tourist from West Bengal was arrested on Saturday for allegedly capturing footage of deities inside the Jagannath Temple in Puri using a spy camera. The 12th-century shrine strictly prohibits mobile phones and cameras within its premises.
“Bhaskar Samanta (26), a resident of Hooghly, West Bengal, was caught taking photos and videos near the sanctum sanctorum. We immediately seized the device,” said Puri SP Vinit Agrawal.
Police have charged Samanta under BNS sections for intentionally committing acts that offend religious sentiments. Additionally, he faces charges under Section 30A(4)(C) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, which prohibits cameras inside the shrine. Violators can face up to two months of imprisonment and a fine of ?1,000 under the act.
“We are verifying Samanta’s motive for using the spy camera. Prima facie, he does not have any prior criminal record,” said another police officer. During questioning, Samanta identified himself as a farmer, police sources stated.
Authorities believe Samanta managed to bypass security checks due to the large crowd of devotees present for the Holi festival on Saturday. Sources indicate that the SP has sought a report from temple security personnel regarding the lapse in frisking that allowed Samanta to bring the spy camera inside.