Mumbai Man Uses Spy Camera Inside Badrinath Temple Sanctum; Here's What Happened Next
A Mumbai man has been booked under the Uttarakhand Police Act for using a spy camera to film inside the Badrinath Temple's sanctum sanctorum, violating strict no-recording rules. The accused apologised and deleted the footage. Local police have cautioned all pilgrims to adhere to temple guidelines, warning that legal action will follow any further violations.
Authorities in Uttarakhand have initiated legal proceedings against a man who allegedly used a concealed spy camera to record footage inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Badrinath Temple. The incident, which violates the strict security and religious protocols of the sacred site, has prompted a police investigation and a formal warning to pilgrims.
The Incident at Badrinath Temple
The accused, identified as Jaiprakash Pandey, a resident of Mumbai, reportedly used a spy camera embedded in his eyewear to bypass the temple’s long-standing ban on photography and videography. The sanctum sanctorum, the most sacred area of the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a strictly prohibited zone for recording devices to maintain religious decorum and security. Badrinath Temple Donation Theft Allegations Surface Days After Ram Temple Row, BKTC Orders Probe.
Following the discovery of the footage, Pandey issued an apology on camera. Holding the device used in the incident, he stated: "I was caught making a video in my hometown through this camera, this is my fault, I did not know that it will not happen again and I am deleting the video and will not post it in any way."
Legal Action and Temple Security
The Chamoli Police have registered a case against Pandey under Section 81 of the Uttarakhand Police Act, citing violations of established security standards and religious protocols. According to officials, all illegally recorded materials were recovered and subsequently deleted in the presence of authorities to ensure the sanctity and privacy of the temple. The Badrinath Temple administration maintains rigorous restrictions on electronic devices within the inner sanctum. These rules are enforced not only for security reasons but also to preserve the spiritual atmosphere of the Himalayan pilgrimage site. Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Trust Orders Probe After Donation Theft Allegations Surface.
Police Advisory to Devotees
In the wake of the incident, the Chamoli Police have issued an advisory urging all pilgrims to strictly comply with the guidelines laid out by the temple administration. Authorities emphasised that these regulations are mandatory and warned that any future violations will be met with strict legal consequences. "Action will be taken in accordance with the law against those who violate these rules," a police spokesperson said. Devotees are encouraged to respect the restricted nature of the site and refrain from using any form of photography or videography in prohibited areas.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 07:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
