New Delhi | September 5, 2025

In a disturbing case highlighting growing concerns over women’s safety in public spaces, a 31-year-old pilot working with a private airline has been arrested in Delhi for allegedly recording objectionable videos of women using a hidden spy camera disguised as a cigarette lighter.

The accused, identified as Mohit Priyadarshi, a resident of Civil Lines in Agra, was apprehended by Kishangarh Police in Delhi’s South West District following a complaint lodged by a woman on August 30.

The Incident

According to the complainant, a resident of Kishangarh Village, the incident took place on the night of August 30 around 10:20 pm at Shani Bazar, Kishangarh. She noticed that an unknown man was attempting to secretly record her using a lighter-shaped device fitted with a concealed camera. Alarmed by the suspicious act, she immediately reported the matter to the local police station.

Based on her statement, police registered a case under sections 77/78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.

The Investigation

Given the sensitive nature of the complaint, a dedicated police team was formed under the supervision of Inspector Ajai Kumar Yadav, Station House Officer (Kishangarh), and ACP Melvyn Varghese of Safdarjung Enclave Sub-Division. The team comprised Sub-Inspector Divya Yadav, Head Constables Yogesh and Shyam Sundar, and Constables Mohan and Vikas.

CCTV footage from the surrounding area was carefully examined, and stills of the suspect were circulated among local beat staff and informers. Through intelligence gathering and ground efforts, the police managed to trace and apprehend the accused within a few days.

The Arrest and Confession

During interrogation, Mohit Priyadarshi admitted to his involvement in the act. Police recovered the lighter-shaped spy camera from him, which he had been using to record women without their consent. According to his confession, he made such recordings purely for his “personal gratification.”

Priyadarshi, who is unmarried, has been working as a pilot with a private airline. Police sources confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine whether he had recorded multiple women and if the content had been shared or stored elsewhere.

Police Statement

In a media release, the Delhi Police said: “The accused was found using a hidden spy camera device shaped like a lighter to capture objectionable videos of women. He has confessed to his actions and has been arrested. The recovered device is being examined for further evidence.”

Broader Concerns

The case has once again raised alarms over the misuse of everyday objects modified into spy devices for invasive surveillance. Women’s rights groups have called for stricter monitoring of such gadgets and harsher penalties for offenders engaged in voyeurism and harassment.

The incident also highlights the importance of citizen vigilance, as the complainant’s quick action and alertness led to the timely arrest of the accused.

Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that they are checking whether the accused was part of a larger network or acted alone.