Delhi Police Uses Facial Recognition to Identify Criminals at Jantar Mantar

The Delhi Police have successfully utilized a Facial Recognition System (FRS) to identify more than 2,500 individuals with criminal backgrounds near the Jantar Mantar protest site, according to reports from news agency PTI. This advanced technology has been strategically deployed at various entry and exit points surrounding the protest area, ensuring a robust surveillance mechanism linked directly to the police database. A police source emphasized the effectiveness of this system, stating, "The technology has so far helped identify over 2,500 persons with criminal antecedents. It acts as a strong deterrent and allows us to keep a close watch on those who may attempt to misuse the protest to create law and order problems." This proactive approach aims to maintain public safety while monitoring potential threats during protests.

The FRS is actively monitored by police personnel, allowing for real-time identification of wanted criminals or habitual offenders whose information is already in police records. Importantly, this system is not intended for ordinary protesters but focuses on identifying individuals with a history of criminal activity, including absconders and those classified as "Bad Characters" (BCs). A senior police officer highlighted the capabilities of the FRS, noting that it employs high-resolution cameras that can capture facial images from a considerable distance. Once an image is taken, it is matched against the Delhi Police database within seconds, and if a match is found, the relevant police unit is promptly notified to take necessary actions. This dual-purpose deployment serves both preventive and investigative roles, enhancing security measures while ensuring that peaceful protesters are not inconvenienced.