Security Audit Expected in Varanasi After Viral Video Near Gyanvapi Sparks Concerns

VARANASI, INDIA — A video allegedly recorded inside or near the high-security Gyanvapi premises has surfaced on social media, triggering serious concerns over potential security lapses in one of the city's most sensitive zones.

The viral footage—showing a young man displaying the Gyanvapi complex while chanting "Jai Shri Ram"—has prompted widespread public discussion, given that strict bans on mobile phones and unauthorized videography are enforced throughout the perimeter.

Unverified Video Raises Questions Over Protocol Violations

According to social media posts circulating alongside the clip, the recording was reportedly captured using a mobile phone inside a restricted sector where electronic devices are strictly prohibited.

While the authenticity of the video and the exact vantage point from which it was filmed have not been independently verified, the clip has spread rapidly across multiple platforms, drawing intense scrutiny from locals and digital watchdogs alike.

High-Security Zone & Pending Official Statement

The Gyanvapi area remains under round-the-clock surveillance and multi-layered security cordons managed by local police and paramilitary personnel. Key protocols in place include:

• Strict Ban on Electronics: Visitors and devotees are mandated to deposit mobile phones, cameras, and electronic gadgets in designated lockers prior to entering barricaded corridors.

• Perimeter Surveillance: Multiple check-posts operate along the access routes to prevent unauthorized recording or entry.

As of reporting, district authorities and senior police officials have not released an official statement or confirmed whether the footage was recorded within the prohibited boundary. An official probe is expected to verify the video’s timeline, locate where it was filmed, and determine if any security personnel were negligent.