In a disturbing case that has left Kerala shaken, a man named Aslam, working as a laboratory manager in Kuttiady, Kozhikode district, was caught red-handed installing a hidden camera inside the bathroom of a women’s accommodation. The incident, which occurred on the morning of June 13, 2024, quickly went viral on social media after angry residents and women were seen thrashing him publicly.

Aslam, a native of Areekkara in Kottayam, was known to frequent a women’s hostel located near Kuttiady Taluk Hospital. The hostel accommodated female employees working at his private medical lab and other nearby health institutions. His regular presence made him a familiar face, and perhaps that familiarity enabled him to carry out his disturbing plan without immediate suspicion.

According to witnesses, one of the female residents was using the washroom that morning when she noticed Aslam lurking suspiciously outside the bathroom window. It appeared he was trying to film something using his mobile phone. Shocked by what she saw, she immediately raised an alarm, drawing the attention of other residents and neighbors.

Soon, several women from the accommodation rushed out and confronted Aslam. Their outrage boiled over, and in full public view, they physically thrashed him. The video of the incident—showing him being slapped and beaten by women accusing him of being a voyeur and pervert—spread rapidly across social media platforms, igniting widespread anger.

The matter escalated quickly. Local residents gathered outside the premises, and the police were called. Meanwhile, CCTV footage from the hostel was reviewed, and it confirmed the women’s fears: Aslam had indeed entered the premises earlier carrying a small hidden camera. This critical piece of evidence pointed clearly to the fact that this was not a spontaneous act. It was premeditated.

Following the confrontation, the women handed Aslam over to the police, who arrived shortly after. He was formally arrested the same day. In light of the incident, the women residing in the affected accommodation were immediately shifted to safer locations to protect their safety and mental well-being.

Police officials investigating the case found multiple pieces of evidence, including camera equipment and mobile phones believed to have been used to record the women. According to police sources, “The police have confirmed the presence of camera equipment and mobile phones used for filming and are investigating whether any footage was uploaded or shared.”

The accommodation targeted by Aslam was mainly occupied by female employees of Areekkara Lab and nearby healthcare facilities, making the violation even more severe. It highlighted the vulnerability of working women living in private hostels—places assumed to be safe.

Local women’s rights groups and citizens have condemned the incident as a serious betrayal of trust. Activists have called for strict action to be taken against the accused under applicable legal provisions, including Section 354C of the Indian Penal Code (Voyeurism), charges of sexual harassment, and breach of trust.

There is growing demand for greater oversight and inspection of women’s hostels and private accommodations, especially those linked to workplaces. Activists argue that these spaces must be regularly checked for hidden surveillance devices to prevent such intrusions.

This case has left many questioning how someone in a position of authority and professional respect could so brazenly abuse his access to women’s living spaces. Aslam’s behavior has underscored how easily predators can mask their intentions behind everyday roles. It has also ignited public debate around the fragility of women’s safety in supposedly secure environments.

The Kerala Police have taken Aslam into custody, and investigations are underway to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a broader voyeuristic network. As the probe continues, public anger remains high, with calls growing louder for urgent reforms and safety protocols to prevent such heinous violations in the future.