Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Despite repeated directions and reprimands from the Jharkhand High Court, 606 police stations across the state are yet to be equipped with CCTV cameras. However, the police headquarters and JAP-IT have now stepped up efforts, with officials claiming all stations will be covered within two months.
High-Resolution Cameras to Cover All Key Areas
JAP-IT Director IAS Chandan Kumar confirmed that preparations for installing CCTV cameras across all police stations in the state have been completed. Within the next two months, cameras will be installed in all districts. High-resolution cameras will be placed at main entrances, lockups, station in-charge rooms, interrogation rooms, malkhanas, verandas, and other important areas within the station premises. Recordings will be stored securely and can be monitored from both district-level control rooms and the police headquarters.
Why the HC Took Up the Matter
Over the past few years, complaints of assault, torture, and suspicious deaths in police custody and lockups have surfaced repeatedly. Investigations were hampered in several cases due to lack of video evidence. Taking note of this, the High Court had directed CCTV installation in all police stations, and reprimanded concerned departments and officials on multiple occasions when the plan failed to materialise on the ground. The Supreme Court had also clearly stated that every police station and lockup must have CCTV cameras to enable monitoring of police action and ensure availability of video evidence in cases of complaints.
Benefits for Both Police and Public
Police officials believe the cameras will help curb custodial torture and human rights violations while also enabling fair investigation of false allegations against police personnel. Recording of activities of complainants, accused, and police staff at stations will enhance transparency and accountability.
