Jammu, Feb 12 :
Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a social media content creator for allegedly filming and sharing a video from inside the sanctum sanctorum (Bhawan cave) of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, in violation of strict prohibitions on photography and videography at the sacred site.
The content creator, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reportedly captured and uploaded photos and videos from within the Bhawan complex, where such activities are explicitly banned by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to preserve the sanctity, security, and devotional atmosphere of the holy cave shrine.
The viral content sparked widespread outrage among devotees and netizens on social media platforms, who condemned the act as a blatant disregard for established rules and a potential breach of security protocols at one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
Many called for immediate and stringent action against the individual to deter similar violations in the future.
Following the backlash, the content creator is understood to have deleted the video from her Instagram account. However, the incident prompted authorities to register an FIR, reflecting concerns over possible lapses in enforcement of the no-photography policy inside the Bhawan.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains a clear policy prohibiting all forms of photography, videography, and recording within the Bhawan premises to ensure uninterrupted darshan for pilgrims and uphold religious decorum. Officials have emphasized that such restrictions are essential for maintaining order and security amid lakhs of annual visitors.
As of now, no detailed official statement has been issued by the Shrine Board or the local district administration regarding the specifics of the FIR, the sections under which it was registered, or the current status of the investigation.
Sources said that a probe has been initiated to examine how the filming occurred despite security checks and whether any internal lapses contributed to the breach—(KNO)