Porn website QR code found near Ganesh idol at Maharashtra pandal, 3 detained
A QR code scanner linked to pornographic videos was found placed near the feet of a Ganesh idol at a pandal in Maharashtra’s Washim, prompting a police investigation. Three men, aged between 19 and 20, were identified and taken into custody in connection with the incident.
The incident was reported at the Jai Bhawani Ganesh Utsav Mandal in the Kale File area of Washim city. According to police, members of the mandal noticed the QR code scanner near the feet of the idol on September 18.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryQR CODE LED TO TELEGRAM GROUPMembers of the Ganesh festival committee scanned the QR code and found that it redirected them to a Telegram group containing links to pornographic videos.
The matter was immediately brought to the attention of senior members of the mandal. After they also scanned the code and found similar content, members approached Washim City Police and informed the station officer about the incident.
A police team visited the pandal and examined CCTV footage from the area as part of the investigation.CCTV CAPTURES THREE MEN
According to police, CCTV footage from September 17 showed three men arriving near the pandal on two motorcycles at around 11 pm.
One of the men was seen approaching the Ganesh idol and placing the QR code scanner near its feet. A second man later approached the pandal and appeared to check the scanner. The two then returned to their motorcycles and left the area.
The mandal president subsequently filed a complaint with Washim City Police against unidentified persons. The matter was also brought to the notice of Washim Superintendent of Police Nikesh Khatmode.
Police examined additional CCTV footage from the surrounding area and identified the three men as Tanmay Mudhal, Yugandar Afune and Subodh. The three are aged between 19 and 20.POLICE SAY MEN PLACED CODES TO EARN MONEY
Police questioned the three men after identifying them. According to SDPO Rameshwar Pawar, the men told investigators that they placed the QR codes to earn money.
Pawar said that anyone scanning the code was redirected to a Telegram group where pornographic videos appeared. The three men received between INR 10 and INR 15 for each scan, according to the police officer.
During questioning, the three also told police that they had placed similar QR code scanners outside a Hanuman temple and a college in Washim city.THREE SENT TO POLICE CUSTODY
Washim City Police registered a case against the three men and produced them before a court. The court granted police custody of all three until Monday evening.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine where the QR codes were obtained, how the payment system operated and whether similar scanners were placed at other locations in the city.
Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from areas where the accused reportedly placed similar QR codes.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 20:00 IST
