Delhi police uses facial recognition system at Jantar Mantar
NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing student protest, Delhi police have deployed around 3,000 police personnel to maintain law and order for nearly 10,000 people present in and around Jantar Mantar. Police sources said around 130 police personnel have been injured and 15 FIRs have been registered in connection with the agitation, according to Delhi Police sources. The police also said around 65 students sustained injuries during the demonstrations.The Delhi Police further said it is using Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras to identify “anti-social elements” visiting Jantar Mantar. According to police sources, more than 2,000 people with criminal records who had visited the protest site have been identified so far, as cited by ANI.This is not the first time the Delhi Police has deployed Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras.The force has previously used the technology as part of security arrangements during Republic Day, Independence Day, Holi, Diwali, Eid, Ramlila celebrations and several other major public events across the city.Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday said he has been diagnosed with typhoid but asserted that the nationwide protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan would continue without interruption. On Friday, Dipke welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his 26-day hunger strike but reiterated that the movement would continue until its demand for accountability over the examination irregularities is met.”Our demonstration will go on until Dharmendra Pradhan steps down. Any meeting must take place at a neutral location or venue. Nothing less than the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan will be accepted,” he said.Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk responded to criticism over his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike held in support of students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak.In a video message shared on social media, Wangchuk questioned why his commitment to the cause required a “character certificate”.Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving a written assurance from the Union government on the NEET examination issue and broader systemic reforms to the country’s competitive examination framework.The activist said he had earlier been offered verbal assurances but insisted on a written commitment, which delayed the end of his fast by two days.Following a nearly two-hour meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, representatives of CJP said the government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to consider their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
