The episode involving Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, and her complaint against the installation of hidden cameras in the trial rooms of popular clothing chain Fabindia in Goa, has prompted the City police to launch a drive to check whether such cameras are installed in garment stores and hotels in the city. Ms. Irani had alleged that a CCTV camera was pointed towards the changing room she used
The drive, titled ‘Operation Dignity,’ was launched on Monday, with teams led by Zachariah George, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), and P. Anilkumar, Assistant Commissioner (Crime Detachment), inspecting 10 to 15 stores, including the two outlets of Fabindia, in the city.
Mr. Anilkumar, the nodal officer for the drive, said ‘nothing special’ was found during the inspections on Monday.
The drive would continue, he added.
Goa incident
“We are primarily inspecting trial rooms and interiors of textile shops in the city,” he said, adding that the drive was launched following the idea mooted by Mr. George after the Goa incident.
Mr. George said the drive, aimed at protecting the dignity of women, would also include a security audit.
Hotels too would be covered under the drive.
“There is a high possibility of technological gadgets being installed in changing rooms on the pretext of preventing shoplifting. We will inspect hotels and halting places for women where there is a possibility of such malpractice. The city has to be made a no-nonsense place,” he said.
The inspection squad of the City police comprises four circle inspectors – that of Medical College, Museum, Cantonment and the Women’s Cell – and is assisted by sleuths from the Cyber Cell. The squad would use various techniques, including proven Android applications, to detect hidden cameras, apart from inspecting security and safety installations in the shops, Mr. George said.
The services of the Fem Patrol and the International Women’s Network (IWN) too could be used for the drive.
