Illegal Structures Razed After CCTV Found In Women’s Changing Room At 'Chhota Haridwar'. Mahant Absconding

In Ghaziabad's 'Chhota Haridwar', a CCTV camera found in a women's changing room led to the demolition of illegal structures. The camera was allegedly installed by Mahant Mukesh Goswami who is now absconding.

Chota Haridwar News: In Ghaziabad’s Ganga Canal Ghat, also known as 'Chhota Haridwar', a CCTV camera was discovered in the women's changing room prompting the demolition of illegal structures along with a police investigation into the matter. The camera, which was reportedly installed by Mahant Mukesh Goswami of the ancient Shani Temple situated at the ghat, was connected to his mobile phone. Following the revelation, Goswami has absconded.

Under the direction of the Ghaziabad District Magistrate, the Irrigation Department has demolished the illegal shops that Goswami had constructed. It has been revealed that there were previous criminal cases registered against the Mahant, further intensifying the seriousness of the current charges.

The incident came to light when a woman, noticing the camera directed downward in the changing room, reported it to the authorities. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the camera had been in place for a significant period, capturing footage of women changing their clothes. The police recovered five days' worth of data from the camera, confirming the presence of these videos.

FIR Lodged, Mahant Was Watching Live Footage From CCTV: Police

An FIR has been filed based on the woman's complaint, and efforts are underway to locate the absconding Mahant. DCP Rural, Vivek Chandra Yadav, stated that as soon as the matter came to our attention, an immediate investigation was conducted. The Mahant was found to be watching live footage from the CCTV on his mobile phone. We have retrieved five days of data from the DVR, he added.

The ‘Chhota Haridwar’ area, situated adjacent to the Delhi-Meerut Road, has become a favoured stop for commuters travelling to Haridwar and further into Uttarakhand. Over the years, this locale has gained popularity among travellers who visit the temple there, perform religious rituals, and take a dip in the Upper Ganga Canal. The banks of 'Chhota Haridwar' are lined with several rooms and temporary structures, including shops and changing rooms.

“The religious structure has come up over the years in the canal bed and this is not permitted. After that, more permanent structures have also come up beside the temple. It is difficult but we will try to remove these as well. The hoarding with ”Chhota Haridwar” written on it was also taken down,” an official from the irrigation department told the Hindustan Times.

As per HT's report, the officials informed that the department had previously flagged concerns about the structures multiple times as such temporary are not permitted on the bed of the canal.