Two men from AP detained for taking pictures at Arunachaleswarar temple

Glasses with a micro camera that were confiscated | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Two devotees from Andhra Pradesh were detained for allegedly taking photographs of the sanctum sanctorum of the Arunachaleswarar temple using micro camera glasses on Saturday.

Temple officials said the incident was the second in less than a month after two youths from Telangana were arrested on August 8 for allegedly taking photographs inside the temple, that too using micro camera glasses.

Police said the persons identified were S. Akil Kumar (23) and R. Venkata Reddy (25).

Police said the duo was waiting in a queue for prayers at the temple when a light flashed from Kumar’s glasses. Other devotees immediately saw the flash and alerted temple staff, who in turn informed senior officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department.

Police said signs were installed warning devotees against taking photos and videos inside the temple. A case has been registered by the Tiruvannamalai City Police. They were later released on conditional bail. A probe is underway.

Published – 29 Aug 2026 23:38 IST