Published Jul 08, 2025 | 9:08 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 08, 2025 | 9:08 PM
Gujarat man arrested for secretly filming inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple using AI glasses
In a serious security breach, a 66-year-old businessman from Gujarat, Surendra Shah, was arrested on Sunday evening for secretly recording video footage inside the highly guarded Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple using a hidden camera embedded in AI-powered glasses.
Shah entered the temple around 4 PM with his wife, sister, and four other women, managing to bypass the strict ban on electronic devices within the temple premises. The violation came to light around 6:30 PM when a police officer stationed at the Otakkal Mandapam noticed a flashing light on Shah’s spectacles.
Upon interrogation, Shah admitted to capturing visuals out of “curiosity.” Security personnel immediately detained him and handed him over to Fort Police. A memory card found inside the spectacles was linked to his mobile phone, from which authorities recovered footage of him entering and filming inside the temple.
Both the AI glasses and the mobile phone have been sent for forensic analysis. Fort Circle Inspector Sivakumar confirmed that Shah has been asked to appear for further questioning. While initial findings suggest no malicious intent, a detailed investigation is ongoing.
The incident has triggered renewed concerns over the temple’s security protocols, particularly given its immense historical and monetary significance—treasures worth hundreds of crores were discovered in its vaults in 2011.
