Mahakal temple fines security agency after engagement video goes viral

Times News NetworkIndore/Ujjain: The Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee has imposed a Rs 50,000 penalty on a private security agency and initiated action against temple staff after a social media reel showing a couple getting engaged on the temple premises went viral, allegedly violating temple norms governing photography and videography.The reel was uploaded on May 26 by a Delhi-based visitor and showed a couple getting engaged in Ganesh Mandapam area of Mahakal temple complex. The couple had reportedly entered the temple under a VIP protocol arrangement. The video quickly gained traction on social media, triggering criticism over using the religious premises for creating personal social media content.Temple authorities came to know about the video after it went viral on May 28 and subsequently conducted an inquiry into the circumstances under which it was recorded. Action was initiated on Friday against the security agency and temple personnel linked to the incident.“The temple management committee has imposed a penalty of Rs 50,000 on the security agency. The attendant seen in the video has been permanently barred from entry through all special gates of the temple. A warning has been issued to the concerned protocol official/priest, and show-cause notices are being served to temple employees found responsible for the lapse. We are also examining what action can be taken against the couple,” said Ashish Phalwadia, public relations officer of the temple committee.Officials said the incident amounted to a violation of rules governing photography and videography on the temple premises. “Photography, videography and reel-making are not permitted on the temple premises without prior approval from the temple administration. Special permission for videography or photography is granted only under specific circumstances after due approval,” Phalwadia said.