Facial-recognition cameras deployed at Jantar Mantar have identified more than 2,000 people with criminal records among those arriving at the protest site, Delhi Police sources claimed on Saturday. The Cockroach Janta Party responded by threatening to publicly identify officers it has accused of assaulting students.
The surveillance comes after the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march ended in clashes near Parliament. Police sources said at least 130 personnel and around 65 students were injured. Fifteen FIRs have been registered over incidents connected to the demonstrations.
Police claim FRS flagged over 2,000 at Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police sources said Facial Recognition System cameras were being used to identify people described by them as “anti-social elements” entering the protest area.
Police claimed that more than 2,000 people with previous criminal records had been identified through the system. The claim has not been independently verified.
Sources estimated that about 10,000 people were present on average at Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas. Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain security and monitor those arriving at the site.
CJP vows to identify officers accused of assault
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka countered the police disclosure with allegations of violence against protesters. He said the organisation would prepare its own list of police personnel and release it publicly.
“We too will give a list of Police personnel to Delhi Police, who cracked open the heads of children, dragged them on streets, broke the ribs of our volunteers and slapped young girls. We will identify them not through FRS but through public. We will make it public. Let’s see what Delhi Police have to say to that,” Ranka told ANI.
The allegations against individual police personnel have not been independently established.
15 FIRs registered after July 20 clashes
The confrontation began when protesters participating in the July 20 march attempted to move from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament.
Barricades were erected along the route. Police subsequently used tear gas and carried out lathi-charges.
Delhi Police blamed stone-pelting and the escalation of violence on people it described as anti-social elements. The CJP and other critics have accused the police of using excessive force. Legal petitions have also been filed over the police action.
Cases invoke BNS, Arms Act and public property law
FIRs registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations include provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The Parliament Street Police Station FIR invokes BNS Sections 223(b), 221 and 132. These provisions cover disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, obstruction of a public servant and the use of assault or criminal force to prevent an official from performing public duties.
Security remains heightened around Jantar Mantar as the demonstrations continue.