Arrest Following Complaint
Police in Rajasthan have arrested an Indian pilot for allegedly recording inappropriate videos of women using a hidden camera. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mohit Priya Darshi from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was taken into custody after a woman filed a complaint at the Kishangarh police station on 30 August.
According to the police report, the woman noticed a man secretly filming her around 10:20 p.m. at Shani Bazaar, a busy local market. She immediately alerted authorities, leading to an investigation that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
Hidden Camera Recovered
During the arrest, police recovered a concealed camera believed to have been used for filming. Preliminary investigations revealed that Darshi had been targeting women in public spaces and recording videos without their knowledge.
Investigators said they relied on CCTV footage from the surrounding area as well as intelligence from local informants. This evidence allowed them to trace and detain the accused within hours of the complaint.
Pilot Admits to Recording
During interrogation, Darshi reportedly confessed to recording inappropriate videos of women. Authorities have registered a case against him under Sections 77 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code earlier this year.
Police confirmed that the accused works as a pilot with a private airline, though the airline’s name has not been disclosed. Officials say further legal proceedings are underway, and more charges may follow if additional victims come forward.
Growing Concerns Over Privacy Violations
Cases of voyeurism and hidden camera recordings have become an increasing concern across India. With the easy availability of miniature cameras and smartphones, law enforcement agencies face growing challenges in protecting citizens’ privacy, particularly women.
A National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report from 2022 noted that over 2,000 cases of voyeurism were registered across India that year. Women’s rights groups argue that many more cases go unreported due to fear of stigma or lack of trust in authorities.
Legal Framework and Punishments
Under Indian law, voyeurism is a punishable offence that can lead to imprisonment of up to seven years, depending on the severity of the case. The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has retained and expanded these provisions to address technology-enabled crimes more effectively.
Experts say that while the law is strict on paper, effective enforcement remains uneven. In smaller towns and rural areas, victims often struggle to access justice, and offenders sometimes exploit gaps in the system.
Aviation Sector Impact
The arrest of a commercial pilot on such charges has also raised concerns within India’s aviation sector. Similar aviation-related security cases have also surfaced in Pakistan, such as the Pakistani Passenger Arrested at Sialkot Airport for Using Fake Greek Residence Card. Airlines maintain strict codes of conduct for their employees, particularly for pilots who hold positions of trust and responsibility.
Industry observers suggest that if convicted, Darshi could lose his flying license and face permanent disqualification from civil aviation service. The case may also prompt airlines to review background checks and internal monitoring processes for staff.
Public Reaction
News of the arrest has spread widely in Indian media, sparking debate over rising incidents of harassment and hidden surveillance. Social media users have condemned the act, calling for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure women’s safety in public spaces.
Women’s rights activists argue that technological misuse has outpaced public safety measures. They urge authorities not only to punish offenders but also to strengthen preventive mechanisms, such as better surveillance in public areas and rapid response systems for complaints.
Conclusion
The arrest of Mohit Priya Darshi highlights the growing challenge of combating technology-driven harassment in India. While legal provisions exist, enforcement and public vigilance remain critical. The case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger protections of privacy and dignity, particularly for women in public spaces.
