A hidden camera found inside a bathroom at Vidiyal Residency, the women’s hostel for Tata Electronics employees in Nagamangalam, Hosur, sparked widespread outrage among female workers on Tuesday evening. Hundreds of women staged a sit-in, demanding strict action against those responsible and a thorough check of all hostel facilities.

The incident came to light on November 2, when a worker from Maharashtra noticed a CCTV camera in the bathroom and informed her friend, Neelu Kumari Gupta, a 22-year-old from Odisha. Police stated that Gupta initially pretended to be shocked and removed the camera before other residents could gather at the scene.

Following the complaint, Udhanapalli police detained Ms. Gupta. Krishnagiri Superintendent of Police P. Thangadurai said, “The company had conducted an internal inquiry, and on Tuesday morning, it found that Ms. Gupta had set up the camera. She was counselled. Later, the workers hit the streets demanding action.”

According to police sources, Gupta claimed she was pressured by a male friend, also from Odisha, into placing the camera. “She was holding onto the camera for a week, unwilling to do it, before she installed it on Sunday. No video was sent. Since it was in plain sight, it was spotted by the complainant. In some way, the accused is a victim herself,” a police officer explained. Authorities have formed a special team to trace the man and verify her statement.

On Wednesday, more than 200 police personnel were stationed at Vidiyal Residency, and 10 teams conducted detailed inspections of nine out of the 11 hostel blocks to ensure there were no other hidden cameras.

Worker Outrage and Protests

The discovery led to a massive protest late Tuesday, with hundreds of women employees demanding justice and stronger security protocols. PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss condemned the situation, saying, “It is shocking that the government has failed to protect the privacy of the women staying in the hostel, which it jointly constructed with Tata. It is unacceptable that activities have taken place that compromise the women’s privacy, dignity, and safety.”

Context and Factory Details

Tata Electronics operates a factory in Rayakottai Vanniyapuram village near Hosur, employing over 6,000 permanent workers and manufacturing components for Apple iPhones. To accommodate its staff, the company provides hostel facilities in the Lalikal area. Workers noted that strict non-disclosure agreements prevent them from discussing incidents at the hostels with the media.

Investigation Updates

Police confirmed that at least one video had been recorded but was intercepted before being shared online. A senior police officer told NDTV, “A tiny camera was recovered. The woman had planned to send the footage to her boyfriend. We are investigating the motive.” The authorities are also checking whether additional recordings exist or if others were involved.

The incident has raised serious concerns over employee safety and the responsibility of corporations and local authorities in ensuring secure living spaces for workers.