Changing room or spy cam room? City women demand better security at trial rooms in malls

Last month, a 20-year-old woman received the shock of her life when she went to a plush shopping mall in Jubilee Hills and found out that she was being recorded when she went to change inside the trial room. The lady had spotted two men recording a video from a mobile phone and immediately complained to the authorities. The police nabbed the culprits but the young woman was left scarred from the whole experience. In a similar incident, at a busy drive-in in the heart of the city, a mobile phone in recording mode was found in the ladies’ washroom. The phone was later removed and the incident was reported to the police. City women are now demanding that more stringent security measures be put in place at all trial rooms and public washrooms.

We don’t feel safe while stepping into trial rooms and public washrooms: City women
City-based model Sowmya Reddy, says, “What’s shocking to see is that even these so-called fancy and high-end places have seen such jarring security lapses. As a model, I have to try on many outfits and often use trial rooms. But I don’t think I feel safe doing that anymore. Often men are seen loitering around trial rooms but not much is done to stop them, which is scary.”

Sanjana Naidu, a medical student from Moosapet, agrees, “I’ve stopped using public washrooms and trial rooms after I read about these incidents. I’m appalled at how little attention is paid to ensuring women’s safety in such places.”

Hyderabadi women are thinking on their feet and are trying to come up with ways to avoid being recorded. “I’m trying to do things like switching off the lights and turning them on again, or use apps that detect cameras around. However, that cannot be the solution. Women can’t be looking over their shoulders all the time. The authorities must take strict action against the perpetrators and the management,” says

Nandini V

, an IT professional from

Kukatpally

.

We have beefed up security at trial rooms: Mall authorities

Store owners and authorities at city malls reiterate that the trial rooms at their outlets are safe for women, and that they have taken appropriate security measures.

“It’s unfortunate that such incidents have taken place in Hyderabad and has given rise to panic among city women. We have made sure that security personnel are deployed near trial rooms at all times and such miscreants are thrown out. We have strenghthened our security to make sure women customers feel safe in our store,” says

Jayesh Kumar

, store manager at a mall in Hitech City.

Abdul Samad, manager at a mall in Madeenaguda, says security lapses occurred due to lack of manpower during the pandemic. “Our workforce, across all departments, was reduced severely during the pandemic, which is probably why there may have been a few lapses in security at certain outlets. However, we have decided to deploy additional security for the safety of women and during peak hours, we are ensuring at least two to three security personnel are there near trial rooms and washrooms.”

Be cautious, report to the police immediately: Cops
City police urge women to come forward and report the incidents as soon as they happen. “Many times, women consider it a matter of shame and don’t come forward and report such instances. We urge them not to hesitate and instead visit the nearby police station immediately or dial 100. The sooner they report, the sooner we can nab the culprits and keep women safe from future incidents,” says AR Srinivas, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone), Hyderabad.

“If someone is caught spying near a trial room or a recording device is found, the management will be held equally responsible for neglecting safety at their outlet and will be charged under relevant sections of the IPC. We have issued strict orders to all private entities to implement necessary safety measures,” Srinivas added.
Are you being watched? Here’s how you can find out

See a top you like at your favourite store but worried about using the trial room?
Rupesh Mittal, Founder, Cyber Jagruthi Foundation, shares tips on how to detect if you’re being recorded.

Most cameras run via internet connection. To check if there’s such a device around you, turn on your Wi-Fi network and look for any dubious networks around you. If something feels suspicious, move out immediately

All cameras have a black lens, so if you spot any black portions in the light, it means you’re being recorded. Take a quick but thorough scan across the trial room, especially in darker areas that hide such cameras better

Infra-red camera detectors can be purchased on e-commerce websites for `400-500

There have been instances where hidden cameras were found inside adapters. So, scan the room for anything suspicious and if there’s any such object in the room, leave immediately

There are double layered mirrors that come with cameras inside. To find out whether or not it’s a double-layered mirror, place your finger horizontally against the mirror. If the end of your finger touches the reflection of your finger in the mirror, it’s a double-layered mirror and you’re being recorded.

There have also been instances of cameras being placed inside LED bulbs. So if you find a black spot inside a bulb, it’s not a design but a recording device.




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