Despite strict restrictions on carrying mobile phones, cameras, pens and other prohibited items inside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a visitor allegedly entered the sanctum sanctorum wearing camera-equipped smart glasses and recorded videos and pictures, including while performing ‘Abhishek’, a ritual offering of water or milk to the deity.
The visitor later deleted the video from his social media account after the matter was reported on social media and television news channels. The incident came to light after an undated video surfaced on social media, purportedly showing the visitor offering milk to the deity inside the sanctum while using smart glasses. The video also purportedly showed him taking selfies at different places, including outside the sanctum and elsewhere on the temple premises. Taking the matter seriously, the Baba Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration has asked police to strengthen checking at the entry points and sensitise personnel about smart glasses and other camera-equipped devices. They would be asked to leave the smart glasses outside before proceeding inside.
Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Shambhu Sharan said senior police officials had been apprised of the matter and asked to take appropriate action against the person who recorded the video and clicked pictures. He said police personnel deployed at the temple gates had also been instructed to check for smart glasses and stop visitors carrying such devices from entering the temple.
