Manimajra Spa Hidden Camera Scandal: Owner Sandeep Bawa Arrested for Live Surveillance Feed

Manimajra Spa Hidden Camera Scandal: A spa owner in Manimajra, Chandigarh, has been arrested for allegedly installing a hidden camera to monitor clients without their consent. The live-feed surveillance incident has sparked major concerns over customer privacy.

Chandigarh, June 21, 2025 — In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about customer privacy and safety, the owner of a spa in Manimajra was arrested for allegedly installing a hidden camera and monitoring a live video feed without client consent. The accused, identified as Sandeep Bawa, was booked under Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a formal complaint filed by a female client.

The Incident: Suspicion Turned Into Shock

The complainant, a young woman from Sarangpur, had booked an appointment online at a spa located in the NAC area of Manimajra. During her session, she reportedly felt uncomfortable and sensed something unusual about the room. Her instincts led her to closely inspect the surroundings, after which she suspected the presence of a hidden camera.

Immediately after her visit, she approached the local police and registered a complaint. What followed was a swift and thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Hidden Camera Found, Live Feed Exposed

During the investigation, police discovered a concealed surveillance camera installed within the premises. Although the device was not connected to a recording system—owing to the absence of a hard disk—officials confirmed that the camera was transmitting live footage in real-time.

This revelation sent shockwaves through the community, as it implied that the footage was being actively monitored without the knowledge or consent of the spa’s clients.

Owner’s Defense and Police Response

Upon being questioned, the spa owner, Sandeep Bawa, admitted to installing the camera but claimed that it was meant only to monitor employee activities. However, police officials highlighted that the camera was not placed in a designated staff area, thereby invalidating his defense.

Senior police officials stated, “The placement of the camera and the fact that it was transmitting a live feed with no recording system suggest an intent to monitor people discreetly. This is a direct invasion of privacy.”

Legal Action Taken

Based on the evidence and the woman’s complaint, a case was promptly registered under Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with offenses related to privacy and unauthorized surveillance. Sandeep Bawa was arrested and later released on bail as the investigation continues.

Privacy in Question: A Growing Concern

This case has sparked widespread concern across Chandigarh, especially among women and spa-goers. Legal experts and women’s safety advocates have called for stricter regulations and frequent surprise checks on spa and salon establishments to ensure customer privacy is protected.

Several locals expressed outrage on social media, demanding that spa and wellness businesses be brought under tighter scrutiny to prevent such incidents from happening again.

One social media user wrote, “How can anyone feel safe now? If a spa, which is supposed to be a place of relaxation, becomes a place of surveillance, what’s left?”

What the Law Says About Surveillance

Under current Indian laws, surveillance without consent—especially in places where individuals expect privacy—is a punishable offense. The newly codified Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has provisions that cover digital privacy violations, and this case falls squarely under that purview.

Legal experts say that even if footage is not recorded, live monitoring without consent constitutes a breach of personal privacy and can attract legal action.

Police Advisory to the Public

The Chandigarh Police have issued an advisory encouraging citizens, especially women, to stay vigilant during their visits to personal care and wellness centers. They’ve also advised people to report any suspicious devices or activities immediately.

The arrest of the Manimajra spa owner for illegal surveillance has not only exposed a serious lapse in privacy standards but also raised alarms about the increasing misuse of technology in seemingly safe environments. As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a grim reminder that privacy in public spaces is still a vulnerable aspect of modern life.

Authorities have assured the public that the matter will be pursued with seriousness, and more stringent measures will be implemented to protect clients from such invasions in the future.