Protest Venue Under a Web of Cameras and Facial Recognition Systems
Delhi Police said the cameras are used to identify known offenders and support investigations, while protesters and petitioners call the monitoring intrusive.
- On Friday, July 24, the Delhi Police deployed AI-powered facial recognition cameras and mobile surveillance vans at Jantar Mantar to identify potential criminals among the swelling protest crowds.
- Specialized surveillance vehicles, including the Ikshana and Mobile Command and Control Vehicle, scan live footage against existing criminal databases using AI-assisted facial recognition software previously deployed during the 2023 G-20 Summit.
- Fearing potential profiling, protesters are covering their faces to avoid being recorded, with Delhi University student Anushka calling the unauthorized surveillance "highly unethical" due to concerns about police databases.
- Former JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh petitioned the Delhi High Court alleging "continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance" that violates protesters' rights to privacy and assembly.
- The police stated on Friday that facial recognition cameras "prevent anti-social elements and criminals from entering" the protest, citing intelligence about cross-border terrorist organizations monitoring the demonstrations.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Protest venue under a web of cameras and facial recognition systems
The Delhi Police have deployed its DP-Dristhi and Ikshana surveillance vans and a Mobile Command and Control Vehicle, which uses AI-assisted facial recognition technology to scan live CCTV feeds; protesters have expressed apprehension over the use of such technologies
<p style="text-align: justify;">A major revelation came to light on Friday (July 24, 2026) regarding the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, Delhi, against the country's government, education system, and examination-related arrangements. According to an exclusive report by ABP News, the Delhi Police claimed that 216 wanted criminals had reached the CJP protest site in New Delhi district, …
Delhi Police deploy facial recognition system, AI surveillance vehicles at Jantar Mantar protest site - The Tribune
As visitors enter Jantar Mantar, they are greeted by a heavy security presence, including several Delhi Police vehicles such as the Vajra, a specialised anti-riot and crowd-control vehicle, and the high-tech Ikshana surveillance van equipped with 360-degree cameras, facial recognition software and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.
Delhi Police have been seen wearing Meta RayBan smart glasses in several videos. AI is being used to monitor students during the ongoing Student Protection at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Facial recognition is also reportedly being used during this time.
Times Now Managing Editor Zakka Jacob Cries Privacy Violation As Delhi Police Uses AI Cameras At Cockroach Protest; Here's Why It Isn't One
As student protested at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, cockroaches began crying over the technology being used to monitor demonstrators. Videos circulating on social media show Delhi Police personnel using AI-powered facial recognition systems housed inside surveillance vehicles. Times Now Managing Editor Zakka Jacob, a former CCTV employee, began frothing at his mouth about the legality of the deployment, citing privacy concerns and the Puttaswamy judg…
AI eyes on Jantar Mantar: Police using face recognition vans to connect protesters with Aadhaar?
Videos from the Jantar Mantar student protests appear to show Delhi Police using facial recognition tools. The footage has intensified questions over privacy, data sources and the monitoring of demonstrators.
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