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Delhi Police have deployed facial recognition technology to identify suspected troublemakers at the protest site in Jantar Mantar, following recent clashes that left several officers injured.
According to police sources, more than 2,500 individuals with prior criminal records were identified between July 21 and 23 using the Facial Recognition System (FRS). The move comes after tensions escalated on July 20, when violence broke out during demonstrations by members of the Cockroach Janata Party and student groups.
Authorities said the technology is being used to monitor who is entering and leaving the protest zone, aiming to prevent known offenders from blending into crowds and triggering unrest.
Facial recognition cameras have been installed at key entry and exit points, along with additional surveillance units around the protest area, all connected directly to Delhi Police databases.
Police allege that during the earlier protests, several miscreants infiltrated the crowd and attacked officers using knives and other sharp weapons. Over 2,500 such suspects have since been flagged, and efforts are ongoing to verify their involvement.
So far, at least 15 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed in connection with the violence, including cases related to vandalism of public property and assaults on police personnel. Investigators are continuing to use digital surveillance tools to identify and take action against those responsible.
Officials say the enhanced monitoring is part of a broader effort to maintain order at protest sites while preventing further escalation of violence.