Multiple private videos of women patients at a maternity hospital in Gujarat’s Rajkot, recorded during medical examinations, surfaced on a YouTube channel and were circulated on a Telegram channel for sale, triggering massive outrage. A case has been registered against the hospital.
Seven videos from Payal Maternity Hospital were uploaded on the YouTube channel Megha MBBS, with access offered through a Telegram link for a fee ranging from Rs 999 to Rs 1,500. The Telegram account also used footage of women taking a dip at the Maha Kumbh in its thumbnail to lure viewers, police said.
According to Gujarat Police, the videos appear to be CCTV footage showing women patients being examined in a closed room by a female doctor, or receiving injections from a nurse.
“The accused had uploaded seven such videos on the Youtube channel and had given the link of a Telegram group in the description. Members of that group were asked to pay a fee to watch similar videos. To attract members to pay subscription, the accused had shared screen grabs of similar videos,” Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Hardik Makadia, said.
The accused had uploaded seven such videos on the Youtube channel and had given the link of a Telegram group in the description. Members of that group were asked to pay a fee to watch similar videos. To attract members to pay subscription, the accused had shared screen grabs of similar videos,” Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Hardik Makadia, said.
A preliminary probe revealed that the Telegram group was created in September last year, while the YouTube channel was launched in January this year. The Telegram group, which promoted the channel, had over 90 members, according to the police.
A preliminary probe revealed that the Telegram group was created in September last year, while the YouTube channel was launched in January this year. The Telegram group, which promoted the channel, had over 90 members, according to the police.
“In one such video, a nurse and woman patient can be heard conversing in Gujarati,” Makadia said.
Meanwhile, an official from Payal Hospital in Rajkot claimed that the CCTV system may have been hacked.
“Someone must have accessed our videos illegally. We have done nothing wrong and will fully cooperate with the police investigation,” hospital authorities told reporters.
However, the hospital has not explained why a CCTV camera was installed in a room where women’s privacy could be compromised.