The Delhi Police's Facial Recognition System (FRS) has reportedly identified more than 2,500 individuals with criminal backgrounds at Jantar Mantar, where students have been protesting against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
To strengthen surveillance following the clashes that erupted after police thwarted protesters' 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20, four FRS units have been deployed at key entry and exit points around the protest site.
The system enables police to identify, in real time, wanted persons and habitual offenders whose details are already available in police records.
"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," a police source told PTI.
How the FRS works
The FRS uses high-resolution cameras capable of capturing facial images even from a distance. Once a face is detected, it is matched against the Delhi Police database within seconds.
If the system identifies a wanted or absconding accused, the police unit is immediately alerted, enabling officers to take appropriate legal action.
According to the Delhi Police, the deployment of the FRS serves both preventive and investigative purposes. An officer said the technology helps detect anti-social elements at an early stage while strengthening security arrangements without causing inconvenience to peaceful protesters.
Probe into July 20 clashes continues
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police are examining thousands of videos, social media broadcasts, and mobile phone records to identify those involved in the July 20 violence. Investigators are trying to determine whether the clashes were pre-planned or erupted spontaneously.
Police are also analysing CCTV footage, livestreams, mobile phone recordings, and social media content to identify individuals allegedly seen attacking police personnel and damaging public property.
Investigators are authenticating every digital file to establish its originality and timeline before it can be admitted as evidence. Metadata, timestamps, and geolocation information embedded in videos and photographs are also being examined, wherever available, as part of the investigation.
So far, Delhi Police have registered 15 FIRs in connection with the violence.
