Delhi Police personnel use body cameras on their uniform. (Image Credit: ANI)
Protesters detained as police tighten restrictions
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has stepped up security across the national capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest against the Election Commission , deploying more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel as party activists remain firm on their call for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
A police personnel told ANI the cameras would help establish what happened during confrontations. This will record eveything,” the personnel said. Police personnel deployed for security are wearing body cameras on their uniforms, including devices that can record in the dark. “These body cams are to protect us and others. In situations of manhandling, allegations are levelled against Delhi Police. So, these body cams will prove whether we did anything to anyone or not. Following the announcement, Delhi Police instructed its teams to detain anyone attempting to stage a protest, irrespective of their location. The police have also directed Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units not to issue weapons for deployment related to the demonstration. Letters have been sent to the concerned directorates regarding the allotment plan. Unlike the deployment during the INDIA bloc protest, police teams have now been authorised to carry lathis and batons. In view of alleged deliberate attempts to record and circulate videos portraying police personnel in a negative light, teams have been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters.
A few protesters were detained near Janpath in the Connaught Place area on Saturday as the CJP called for a large mobilisation at Jantar Mantar despite the Delhi Police denying permission.