Secret camera found in women's washroom at Odisha govt office, probe begins
A suspected hidden camera was found in the women's washroom at the DRDA office in Jagatsinghpur after an employee spotted the device. Police have opened a detailed probe as staff demand strict action and stronger security.
A major privacy scare has emerged at the DRDA office in Jagatsinghpur after a hidden camera was allegedly discovered inside the women’s washroom, triggering panic among employees and prompting a large-scale police investigation.
The incident came to light on Thursday morning when a finance department employee, identified as Madhusmita Samantray, reportedly noticed a suspicious electronic device lying inside the washroom after it accidentally fell onto the floor. Alarmed by the discovery, she immediately informed senior officials, following which police were alerted.
Acting swiftly, police reached the DRDA office premises, seized the suspected hidden camera and registered an FIR in connection with the matter. Officials said the case is being treated seriously due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and concerns over a possible privacy breach involving women employees.
Investigators have launched a detailed probe to determine how the device entered the restricted area and whether it had actually been installed or used for surveillance purposes. Police officials said it was not immediately clear whether the camera had been actively recording footage or transmitting data.
As part of the investigation, CCTV footage from various sections of the office complex has been collected and is being closely examined to track suspicious movement and identify possible suspects. Police are also probing whether there was any internal involvement in the incident or if the device had been planted deliberately as part of a pre-planned act.
A digital forensic team has also been engaged to analyse the seized device and retrieve technical information, including any stored or deleted data. Officials said efforts are underway to establish whether any footage was captured through the device.
The SDPO of Tirtol said a special investigation team has been formed to speed up the probe. He added that investigators are relying on technical evidence, CCTV footage and forensic analysis to identify those responsible.
The incident has caused concern among staff members at the government office, with several employees reportedly demanding strict action and enhanced security measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
A major privacy scare has emerged at the DRDA office in Jagatsinghpur after a hidden camera was allegedly discovered inside the women’s washroom, triggering panic among employees and prompting a large-scale police investigation.
The incident came to light on Thursday morning when a finance department employee, identified as Madhusmita Samantray, reportedly noticed a suspicious electronic device lying inside the washroom after it accidentally fell onto the floor. Alarmed by the discovery, she immediately informed senior officials, following which police were alerted.
Acting swiftly, police reached the DRDA office premises, seized the suspected hidden camera and registered an FIR in connection with the matter. Officials said the case is being treated seriously due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and concerns over a possible privacy breach involving women employees.
Investigators have launched a detailed probe to determine how the device entered the restricted area and whether it had actually been installed or used for surveillance purposes. Police officials said it was not immediately clear whether the camera had been actively recording footage or transmitting data.
As part of the investigation, CCTV footage from various sections of the office complex has been collected and is being closely examined to track suspicious movement and identify possible suspects. Police are also probing whether there was any internal involvement in the incident or if the device had been planted deliberately as part of a pre-planned act.
A digital forensic team has also been engaged to analyse the seized device and retrieve technical information, including any stored or deleted data. Officials said efforts are underway to establish whether any footage was captured through the device.
The SDPO of Tirtol said a special investigation team has been formed to speed up the probe. He added that investigators are relying on technical evidence, CCTV footage and forensic analysis to identify those responsible.
The incident has caused concern among staff members at the government office, with several employees reportedly demanding strict action and enhanced security measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
