Hyderabad: In a disturbing violation of privacy, a 23-year-old woman tenant and her husband discovered a hidden camera inside their bathroom light bulb, allegedly installed by their landlord, Ashok Yadav, in Vengalrao Nagar. The shocking incident has raised serious concerns about tenant safety and privacy in Hyderabad.
Hidden camera discovered
The woman, employed at a private firm, was renting part of Yadav’s house with her husband. On October 4, the bathroom light bulb stopped working. Yadav, along with an electrician identified as Chintu, entered the home to replace it. Unbeknownst to the couple, a miniature camera had been concealed inside the bulb holder.
The husband discovered the hidden device on October 13 while inspecting a loose screw in the bathroom. Upon confronting Yadav, he reportedly denied responsibility, threatened the couple against reporting to the police, and attempted to tamper with the bulb to remove evidence.
Police intervention and arrests
Following a written complaint by the couple, Madhuranagar police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering voyeurism, intimidation, and evidence tampering. Yadav was arrested and remanded in judicial custody, while the electrician remains absconding with authorities conducting an active manhunt.
Inspector H. Prabhakar of Madhuranagar police highlighted the seriousness of the offence, assuring that firm legal action would be taken against violations of privacy. Telangana has witnessed similar incidents in rental homes and hostels, underlining systemic risks for tenants, particularly women.
Tenant safety and precautions
Experts advise tenants to remain vigilant and proactive to protect privacy. Regular inspections of rental spaces, including light fixtures, smoke detectors, clocks, and other suspicious objects, can help detect hidden cameras. Using a flashlight to spot reflective lenses or an RF detector to identify wireless surveillance devices is also recommended.
Tenants should know their legal rights: landlords cannot install cameras in private areas like bathrooms or bedrooms without explicit consent. Lease agreements should be reviewed carefully for surveillance clauses. In case of discovery, tenants should document evidence, alert authorities immediately, and report to the police.
Building awareness and accountability
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of privacy in rental accommodations. Advocates stress that a home should be a safe sanctuary where dignity and trust are upheld. The incident also calls for stronger tenant rights enforcement, community vigilance, and regulatory oversight to prevent such invasions.
Authorities and communities are urged to collaborate on policies that safeguard tenants, implement strict surveillance guidelines, and create awareness about privacy protection. The goal is to foster safe living environments that balance landlords’ rights with tenants’ security and dignity.