HYDERABAD: Taking a serious view on non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations and not maintaining CCTV footage for at least six months, the Telangana High Court the Director General of Police to submit a report before it about the status of CCTVs and footages across the state by March 10.
Justice Kanneganti Lalitha issued these directions while dealing with a contempt case filed by Chevva Madhavulu of Thimmajipet police station in Nagarkurnool district, complaining that its sub- inspector had manhandled him inside the police station. He sought action against the SI. When he took the complaint to the SP of Nagarkurnool, the senior officer refused to listen. When even the hospital, which treated him, refused to register the medico-legal case, Madhavulu challenged it in the High Court.
Madhavaram Rameshwara Rao, counsel for the petitioner, brought to the notice of the court that the higher authorities did not even listen to Madhavulu’s contention. The High Court on September 27 had directed the SP of Nagarkurnool to consider the representation of Madhavulu and take appropriate action.
The SP delegated it to a DSP, who, in turn, entrusted the job to the circle inspector. There was further dilly-dallying when allegations were against the SI. Enraged at this, Madhavulu filed a contempt case.
The court on February 13, directed the SP of Nagarkurnool to verify the CCTV footage. However, the government counsel told the court that the CCTV cameras in the police station were not working for over 10 months.
Justice Lalitha recalled directions of the Supreme Court in a case where the police were asked to maintain CCTV footage for at least six months. The court faulted the Telangana police for not complying with apex court orders.
In the Madhavulu case, the court directed the SP to personally look into the CCTV footage of that day and present it before the Court by March 10.
