Vadodara: Whenever Anju Maasi is travelling, she regularly checks her smart phone that is connected with the CCTVs at her home in Baranpura. She keeps an eye on the happenings in and around her house.
No, she is not a businesswoman neither does she stay in any posh locality. Anju Maasi is an eunuch and like her, many other members of her community have begun installing CCTVs at their residences in the Walled City. “The idea is to ensure not just our safety but also of our neighbourhood. Whatever we earn, 10% of it goes to offering for our goddess. We usually make gold and silver ornaments used for doing puja and it is all kept in our home. There is always a threat of burglary,” Anju Maasi told TOI.
“Also, we get many visitors on festive occasions and it is necessary to monitor them. So, six months ago I decided to install three CCTVs inside my house and one facing towards the lane outside. I can now monitor my house from my smart phone,” she said.
Baranpura is home to a large number of eunuchs who earn by seeking money at social and marital ceremonies. “CCTVs are not a fashion statement for us as we are not rich. It is more for our safety and also to keep an eye on the happenings in the neighbourhood. Sometimes incidents of vehicle thefts and other minor crimes keep happening in the old city. CCTVs help in keeping an eye and recording any such wrongdoing,” said another eunuch Asha Maasi, who has installed two CCTVs including one in her room.
“Rumours of child kidnappings have also been making rounds. With CCTVs keeping an eye on the lanes, even the neighbours feel safe,” an eunuch said. Anju Maasi said that some more eunuchs in the area have decided to install CCTVs in coming months.
CCTVs installed at temple and homes in Baranpura
