Bengaluru: A 36-year-old pregnant woman has alleged that a male staff member at a private hospital on Sarjapur Road attempted to secretly photograph or record her inside a restroom, prompting the police to register a case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

According to police officials, the incident took place on May 21 at a private hospital located in east Bengaluru. Based on the woman’s complaint, the Varthur Police Station has initiated an investigation into the matter.

Woman alleges suspicious behaviour inside restroom

In her complaint, the woman stated that she had gone to use the restroom inside the hospital premises when she noticed a male hospital staff member behaving suspiciously near the facility.

She alleged that the man appeared to be attempting to capture photographs or videos using his mobile phone while she was inside the restroom.

According to a senior police officer, the woman immediately confronted the staff member after becoming suspicious that he might have recorded or photographed her without consent. However, the accused allegedly fled the spot soon after being questioned.

The complainant further stated that the incident caused her severe emotional distress, particularly because she is pregnant.

In the complaint submitted to police, the woman reportedly mentioned that the alleged act left her feeling mentally traumatised, fearful and humiliated. She also sought legal action against both the accused individual and the hospital administration.

FIR registered under BNS and IT Act

Based on the complaint, police registered a First Information Report under Sections 77, 79 and 62 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Section 77 of the BNS pertains to voyeurism, while Section 79 relates to acts or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman. Section 62 deals with attempts to commit offences.

Police officials confirmed that notices have been issued to both the accused staff member and the hospital administration as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have also seized the accused’s mobile phone and sent it for forensic examination to determine whether any photographs or videos were recorded.

No evidence found so far, say police

Investigators said that during the preliminary examination of the mobile phone, no objectionable photographs or videos linked to the complaint were immediately found.

However, police clarified that the device has been forwarded for detailed forensic analysis to rule out the possibility of deleted files or hidden data.

Officials stated that further action will depend on the findings of the forensic report and additional evidence collected during the investigation.

The identity of the accused and the hospital has not been publicly disclosed by the police at this stage.

Similar incident reported earlier this year

The case has once again raised concerns over privacy and women’s safety in public and institutional spaces in Bengaluru.

In February this year, another woman had alleged that she was secretly filmed while using a restroom at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium during a cricket tournament.

According to the complaint filed in that case, the woman later received threats and blackmail messages from an unidentified individual who allegedly demanded money and a private video call.

The victim, a resident of Yelahanka, had approached the Cyber Crime Police after her friend was mistakenly contacted through social media by the accused.

The earlier incident had triggered widespread concern regarding hidden camera crimes and digital blackmail targeting women.

Growing concerns over privacy violations

Experts and women’s rights activists have stressed the need for stronger surveillance mechanisms and stricter accountability in institutions such as hospitals, malls, sports venues and workplaces.

Legal experts point out that voyeurism and privacy-related offences have increasingly moved into digital spaces, making forensic investigation crucial in securing evidence and convictions.

Police have urged the public to immediately report suspicious behaviour involving hidden cameras, unauthorised recordings or digital harassment.

The latest incident has also intensified calls for private institutions to improve internal monitoring systems and ensure better safety measures for women within their premises.

Further investigation into the Sarjapur Road hospital case is currently underway.