In a deeply troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through Bengaluru, a woman recently discovered a phone discreetly placed inside a dustbin in the women’s washroom of a popular café, Third Wave Coffee, located on BEL Road. The device, cleverly concealed, had been recording video footage for nearly two hours, raising serious concerns about the safety and privacy of women in public spaces.
The horrifying discovery was made by a vigilant customer who noticed the phone positioned inside a dustbin bag with a small hole cut out, allowing the camera lens to face directly towards the toilet. The phone, set to airplane mode to avoid detection, had been silently capturing footage, unbeknownst to the women using the washroom.
The woman, who later shared her ordeal on social media, highlighted the distressing details of the incident. According to her account, the phone was identified as belonging to one of the male employees at the café. The immediate response from the café’s management was swift; the employee in question was promptly terminated, and legal action was initiated against him.
Third Wave Coffee, a well-known chain with a reputation for quality and service, has found itself at the center of a public relations crisis. In their official statement, the café emphasized that the safety and well-being of their customers is a top priority. They reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards such violations and assured the public that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The Bengaluru police have since opened a formal investigation into the matter, aiming to uncover the full extent of the violation. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for stricter regulations and more robust safety measures in public establishments to protect the privacy of individuals, especially women.
This scandal has also led to a broader conversation about the safety of public washrooms and the responsibilities of businesses in ensuring the security of their patrons. Women across the city, and indeed the country, have expressed their alarm and concern over the incident, with many sharing their own experiences and fears about using public restrooms.
The social media post that brought this incident to light quickly gained traction, as people condemned the breach of trust and called for stronger action against such criminal behavior. The café’s management, while taking immediate steps to address the situation, faces an uphill battle in restoring public confidence.
The incident at Third Wave Coffee serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in public spaces and the importance of vigilance in protecting personal privacy. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that justice will be served, and that this case will lead to meaningful changes in how businesses safeguard their customers.