Delhi police baffled as criminals use CCTV to monitor them

The trend came to light in the posh southern part of the city where a gambling racket was operating full time but came out clean every time the police paid a surprise visit. The police later received intel that CCTV cameras were installed around the gamblers’ hideout in Vasant Gaon area and the police planned a secret operation, a senior official said. 

But things only got worse as a woman, who allegedly sheltered the gang, confronted the police team and accused them of harassing her and to support her claims, she had CCTV footage. The terrified beat officials returned to the police station and reported the matter, compelling the station incharge to take up the issue with senior officials. 

“If any beat constable dares to enter the premises forcibly, they would use the CCTV footage as evidence, alleging them of having gone there to demand money or harassing women living inside the premises,” DCP (South) Ishwar Singh said. In late April, the special task force of south district was assigned the job of tracking such gangs and bringing them to book.

In around 10 days, the special team busted three such cases, including another gambling racket, an illicit liquor supplier and a marijuana peddling ring. The marijuana ring, busted in Sangam Vihar area, was allegedly headed by a 50-year-old woman who had installed CCTV cameras in and around her shanty from where the dealings took place. 

She wrapped up the operation within seconds every time her informers, who were tasked with monitoring the footage, informed her of police presence, a senior official said.