A few days ago, news circulated across social media platforms, alleging a disturbing incident at Lulu Mall in Kochi, Kerala. The claims suggested that a burqa-clad Muslim man was arrested for entering the women’s washroom and placing a mobile camera secretly there. However, as the details are carefully dissected and the facts come to light, a different narrative emerges, revealing the truth behind the viral claims.
In our investigation, we found out that Abhimanyu, a 23-year-old B.Tech graduate and an IT professional, found himself under the spotlight of the law when he was arrested by Kochi police. He was arrested for planting a hidden camera inside a women’s bathroom at the Lulu Mall, disguising himself in a Burqa. He secretly placed his mobile phone in a cardboard box, creating a tiny gap for the camera lens. The box was strategically attached near the entrance of the women’s washroom, enabling it to secretly capture video footage.
Further investigation has revealed a chronological sequence of events that led to Abhimanyu’s arrest. After placing the hidden camera, he exited the women’s washroom and stood near its entrance. The vigilant security staff at the mall grew suspicious of his behaviour and promptly alerted the police. This swift action on their part led to Abhimanyu’s immediate arrest.
Kochi Police took immediate action, registering a case against Abhimanyu under sections 354(C) (Voyeurism), 419 (Impersonation), and section 66(E) (Punishment for violation of privacy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), alongside the relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. Following his arrest, Abhimanyu was presented before a local court, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. He faced charges under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including section 354(C) for Voyeurism, section 419 for Impersonation, and section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act for violating privacy rights through technological means. Subsequent legal proceedings resulted in his remand in custody for a span of 14 days. Kochi Police posted the comprehensive story of the whole incident on their Facebook page. (The Twitter archive link for the same post, can be accessed here.)
Initial reports propagated the idea that the incident was driven by religious motives, sparking concerns of communal tensions. However, as the layers are peeled away, it becomes abundantly clear that this incident was devoid of any religious or political affiliations. Authorities have confirmed that Abhimanyu’s actions were rooted in personal motivations rather than any communal agenda.
In conclusion, the event involving the surreptitious camera installation in Lulu Mall’s women’s washroom indeed constitutes a disconcerting breach of privacy. However, the saga also underscores the importance of scrutinizing information before embracing it as truth. Following comprehensive analysis and meticulous fact-checking, our team has investigated the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below and also you can refer to the Hindustan Times article for clarity. (archive)
Claim: A burqa-clad Muslim man secretly recorded videos of women in Lulu Mall’s washroom.
Fact: Misleading claims, Abhimanyu, a B.Tech graduate, was arrested for planting a hidden camera, with no religious or political affiliations involved. The incident was driven by personal motives, not communal agendas.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. Jai Hind.
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