SPC Loknath Behera orders cams in all police stations

Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the Varappuzha custodial death, state police chief Loknath Behera has directed the installation of surveillance cameras covering lock-up rooms in all police stations with immediate effect. Already there are surveillance cameras in 110 of the 471 police stations in the state. Meanwhile, installation of surveillance camera network connecting all police stations to the police headquarters is already progressing. In the initial phase,  279 police stations are being connected.

According to sources at the police headquarters, all station house officers were directed to install surveillance cameras covering lock-up rooms within a day or two. "Since the installation of advanced camera network at all police stations is  progressing, the SHOs are instructed that only a camera with reasonable features should  be installed for the time being. The video footage should be regularly backed up," said sources.

It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had  suggested in 2015 that surveillance cameras should  be installed at lock-ups in all police stations.  The presence of surveillance cameras in  police stations could become a deterrent against unlawful activities there. The state-wide network would have at least two high resolution cameras in each police station covering entrance, receptions and areas like lock-up room. There will be remote monitoring facility at all district police chief offices and state police headquarters. There will also be proper back-up of the video footage for a considerable period, said police sources.