Private Videos of Couples Recorded and Used for Blackmail Using Toll Plaza Cameras; Complaint Reaches the Chief Minister
Lucknow (The Uttam Hindu): A shocking case has emerged on the Purvanchal Expressway, where the privacy of travellers has reportedly been violated. At the Haliyapur Toll Plaza, high-tech CCTV cameras installed under the Entry Traffic Management System (ATMS) for security were allegedly misused to secretly record obscene videos and blackmail people. A written complaint has been submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, accusing the toll manager of involvement. The complainant alleges that toll employees zoom the cameras to record videos of travellers and nearby women and then extort money from them.
The most talked-about incident involves a newly married couple. According to the complaint, on 25 October, a youth from Azamgarh was travelling to Lucknow with his wife. When their car stopped near Mile Stone 93 in the Baldirai police station area, employees in the toll plaza control room allegedly zoomed the CCTV camera and recorded private moments inside the vehicle. The youth was then shown the video and was reportedly forced to pay ₹32,000. Shockingly, the video was allegedly circulated on social media even after the payment. Although the authenticity of the viral video is yet to be confirmed, the case has raised serious concerns about toll security.
The complaint also mentions harassment of local villagers. It alleges that cameras are often turned toward nearby villages Jaraikala, Haliyapur, and Gauhaniya where women and girls stepping out for household work or open-defecation are secretly recorded. Two months ago, a youth from Milkipur in Ayodhya was allegedly extorted for ₹10,000 using a similar video, and a truck driver was also targeted the same way. The complainant has described it as an organised crime and demanded strict action.
Responding to the allegations, the Haliyapur Toll Plaza manager denied personal involvement. He said he never collected money from anyone and called the accusations baseless. However, he admitted that the act of recording and circulating the videos was done by someone from his own staff. He stated that seven employees work at the plaza, and an internal inquiry is underway to identify who is responsible. He assured that strict action will be taken once the culprit is found.