Delhi Police personnel deployed during protests in the national capital are now wearing body cameras, days after three women journalists alleged sexual harassment and misconduct by police personnel during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The body cameras have been given to officers and personnel involved in crowd management and security arrangements in the New Delhi area. They are being used around protest sites and on roads leading towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) office.
The move comes at a time when Delhi has seen several protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties, student groups and civil society organisations have been holding demonstrations and demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
According to police sources, the bodycams will create a video record of what happens during protests. The recordings can capture interactions between police personnel and protesters and may be used as evidence if allegations are made against officers.
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New Delhi district Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma was also seen wearing a body camera while supervising the security arrangements on Tuesday.
The decision comes after three women journalists complained about alleged sexual harassment and manhandling during a protest against the Election Commission on October 2. One of the journalists alleged that an assistant commissioner of police assaulted her. The complaints were later transferred to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry.
The allegations have also led to protests outside the Parliament Street police station. Demonstrators have demanded an FIR and the examination of CCTV footage related to the alleged incidents.
Meanwhile, security has been increased across central Delhi as Opposition leaders and workers continue their protests. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in large numbers, while multilayer barricades have been placed on roads leading towards the ECI office.
Several buses have also been stationed near Nirvachan Bhawan, apparently to transport protesters if required. The Delhi Police has said that no permission was sought for the protest and that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are in force in the area.
The use of bodycams is being seen as a way to keep a clearer record of what happens during tense crowd-control situations. It could help both the police and investigators establish what happened when there are different claims from officers and protesters.
For now, the cameras are being used as an additional safeguard as Delhi prepares for more protests and heightened security around the Election Commission.