1 day ago
Delhi Police Issues Bodycams Amid Protest Misconduct Allegations
Delhi Police has given cameras to officers working near protests in New Delhi.
The cameras can record what happens between officers and protesters.
Police say the recordings may help explain events if someone makes an allegation.
The move comes during demonstrations against the Election Commission over the SIR exercise.
Three women journalists complained about alleged misconduct at an October 2 protest at Jantar Mantar.
One journalist alleged that an officer sexually assaulted her.
Police sent the complaints to the Crime Branch for inquiry, but police sources said no FIR had been registered.
Demonstrators also called for an FIR and for CCTV footage to be examined.
Delhi Police issued body-worn cameras to frontline personnel deployed across New Delhi, especially those handling crowds and protest-site security.
A police source said recordings could document interactions and help establish what happened when allegations arise against officers or protesters.
The move comes amid heightened security and demonstrations against the Election Commission over the SIR exercise.
Three women journalists alleged harassment and manhandling during an October 2 protest at Jantar Mantar; one alleged an officer sexually assaulted her.
The complaints were transferred to the Crime Branch; police sources said no FIR had been registered, while demonstrators demanded an FIR and review of CCTV footage.
- Who
- Delhi Police; three women journalists made complaints about alleged misconduct.
- What
- Police issued bodycams to frontline personnel and transferred the journalists’ complaints to the Crime Branch.
- Where
- Bodycams were issued to personnel deployed across New Delhi; the alleged incidents occurred at Jantar Mantar.
- When
- The reported bodycam issuance was on October 6; the protest linked to the complaints took place on October 2.
- Why
- Police said the cameras could record protest interactions and provide evidence when allegations arise.
Police rationale
Complainants and demonstrators
Purpose of bodycams
Police rationale
Police sources said recordings can establish what happened during protests and provide evidence regarding allegations involving officers or protesters.
Complainants and demonstrators
The complaints and demonstrations reflect demands for accountability, including calls to register an FIR and examine CCTV footage.
Alleged conduct at Jantar Mantar
Police rationale
Police transferred the complaints to the Crime Branch for inquiry; the reports do not provide a finding on the allegations.
Complainants and demonstrators
Three women journalists alleged inappropriate conduct and manhandling; one alleged that an officer sexually assaulted her.
Key facts
- Bodycam deployment
- Frontline officers and personnel across New Delhi, particularly those involved in crowd management and protest-site security.
- Reported date
- October 6
- Protest linked to complaints
- A protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on October 2.
- Complainants
- Three women journalists
- Complaint handling
- New Delhi district police transferred the complaints to the Crime Branch for inquiry.
- FIR status
- Police sources said no FIR had been registered.
- Security context
- Heightened security in New Delhi, Central Delhi and North Delhi amid demonstrations against the Election Commission over the SIR exercise.
- Journalist advisory
- Police asked journalists covering protests to display valid identification and avoid obstructing police operations.
Quotes
A police source
A source with knowledge of Delhi Police’s bodycam deployment.
“Journalists covering protests to carry valid identity cards issued by their respective organisations or valid PIB/DIP accreditation cards, and keep them visibly displayed at all times to facilitate identification by law enforcement at protest sites.”
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
“The bodycams are important, particularly when officers are dealing with large crowds, and there are allegations from either side. The recordings can help establish what happened during a protest.”
theprint.in
thehansindia.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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