Kozhikode: The homes and premises of NRKs and businessmen in the state are fitted with security systems like closed circuit TV cameras these days. But rights’ activists cry foul as the hi-tech facilities have been misused by many husbands to keep an eye on the activities of their young wives back home. Their movements are being watched by someone elsewhere, it is alleged. Almost all upper class and upper middle class families install security cameras. Noted architect Jayan Bilathikulam told DC that the majority of NRKs who construct big houses now install CCTV cameras equipped with security systems.
“Most of them want to ensure the safety of their relatives and also avoid any attempt of theft and attack by miscreants. The prices of the gadgets have also come down in the recent past thanks to the influx of Chinese products. A five-camera CCTV unit costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 30,000,” he added. A CCTV- like security system has become mandatory for all homes with a budget of Rs 50 lakh and above, point out experts.
However, women activists are sceptical about the trend. Adv P.P. Sapna of Punarjani, a city-based organisation of women advocates, told DC that in many cases, the cameras are installed by husbands without the knowledge of the wives for spying on them. “It is good if the system is installed after discussions between the husband and the wife. Otherwise, it raises the question of the right to privacy,” she said. If the wife is ignorant about the installation of cameras, it is intrusion into her privacy and violation of fundamental rights. One cannot spy on another, even if it is your wife, citing security reasons,” she added.
Earlier, there were many cases against NRK husbands for deputing private detectives to spy on their spouses at home. Now with society going hi-tech, it is the turn of spy cameras,” she added. “I feel it is an unhealthy trend. The cameras do the job of private detectives,” she said. “I fear it would be reduced to just another tool for moral policing,” she felt. However, the NRKs claim that it was only safety concerns of the families that forced them to install cameras. “It is my concern for the family that prompted me to set up a surveillance system at home,” said Anand Antony, an NRK.
“When somebody opens my gate in my place, I will get an alert on my mobile in the Gulf and I could see the person on my computer or mobile phone which is connected with the security system,” he added. K.K. Naseer of Global Vision Security Systems here said the rich now prefer the high-end security systems costing many lakhs. Many prefer the Italian and German technology while the Chinese gadgets and technology are cheap,” he added.
CCTV a friend to nab culprits, say cops
Though police is sure about the role of CCTV cameras in gathering evidences, they are apprehensive about the gadgets' efficacy in preventing crimes. P.P. Sadanandan, DySP told DC that CCTV footages were instrumental in nabbing culprits in many cases. He remembered an incident in Kannur where the cops could identify the culprit within three hours with the help of CCTV footages from a nearby house.
However, he added that expert burglars now-a-days ensure that they are not under CCTV surveillance. In a recent bank robbery case, on the first day the burglars ran away when the burglar alarms started crying out. "But on the second day they managed to silence the alarms and deactivate the security systems and executed the robbery", he added. "However, there is no doubt that the presence of such security systems would deter majority criminals from entering the premises", he added.
Cameras betray emotional insecurity
Though most of the NRKs who install CCTV cameras and security systems back home have good intentions, there are many who do it to keep track of the spouses due to behavioural disorders, said noted psychiatrist Dr P.N. Sureshkumar. “Recently, I had a few cases in which the CCTV cameras turned the villain,” he said. In one case, the husband through the cameras found out the relationship of his daughter with a boy in the neighbourhood. He showered abuses on his wife for her carelessness in bringing up the girl and finally the duo ended up before the psychiatrist.
In another case, the husband with a lot of CCTV visuals approached him saying that he had enough evidence for the illicit relationship of his wife. The visuals had the normal interactions of many visitors. “But after scanning through the visuals I found nothing to accuse the wife of any illicit relationship,” said Dr Sureshkumar. In both cases, the family was unaware of the CCTV system. The second case was an example of delusional disorder.
He calls his Rs 2-crore home ‘safest’
K.M. Basheer, an industrialist based here, has fitted his 5,000-square-feet house with the best available security systems by spending about Rs 25 lakh. He claimed that his house worth around Rs 2 crore is the safest in the world. For the smooth wireless control and monitoring of the security gadgets, including cameras, burglar alarms, movement trackers, detectors, he availed of a dedicated internet connection with BSNL static internet protocol which allows high-speed internet connectivity.
Except the bedroom, all other rooms and premises of the house are under camera watch. The special software helps to control the security from anywhere in the world. “When we sleep, the security system would be put on night mode and a burglar alarm would sound in case of any attempt to break into the house. There is no way to jam them,” Basheer said.
K.M. Basheer
“Security cameras are just for evidence and scanning while we are alert. There are alarms if one door is opened and even when there is an attempt to open any door. The gate also is automated and remote-controlled with Italian security system,” he said. On his experience after installing the hi-tech security system, Mr Basheer said that he was a peaceful man wherever he was as he travels around the world. “While abroad, I myself set the security settings online at night. Any attempt to break into the home would alert the public around. We don’t need even a watchman for the house as the software and systems are foolproof,” he added.
