CCTVs Installed At Varanasi’s Kaal Bhairav Temple To Monitor Touts
29 May 2026 4:30 PM IST29 May 2026 4:30 PM IST
The decision comes after police recently detained 11 alleged touts from the temple area for reportedly exploiting devotees & demanding money for arranging smooth access to worship.
Kaal Bhairav Temple In Varanasi | Image Source: X
Varanasi: In a move aimed at improving security and curbing the activities of touts, CCTV cameras are being installed at the Shri Kaal Bhairav Temple premises, in the temple town, following recent police action against individuals allegedly involved in soliciting money from devotees in exchange for facilitating darshan.
According to temple authorities, the decision comes after police recently detained 11 alleged touts from the temple area for reportedly exploiting devotees and demanding money under the guise of arranging smooth access to worship.
The incident had raised concerns over crowd management and the temple’s public image.Temple priests said the installation of CCTV cameras across the complex is intended to ensure continuous monitoring of activities within the premises and to prevent any further incidents involving harassment or exploitation of devotees. The surveillance system is expected to cover key entry points and sensitive areas of the temple.
In Kashi's Kaal Bhairav Temple, devotees receive blessings from the priests there, where the Danda, or a thick rope, is used to hit the devotees on the back, which is said to grant fearless life, and a black thread is also tied on the wrist to ward off negative energy. They charge exorbitant amounts for this so-called 'blessing' while intimidating the pilgrims.
Authorities have also expressed support for the ongoing police crackdown on touting activities, stating that such measures are necessary to maintain discipline and protect the sanctity of the shrine. Police officials have intensified surveillance in and around the temple area and have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in illegal solicitation or misconduct with pilgrims.
( Source : PTI )
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