CJP Protest: Watch notice sent to Jantar Mantar protesters? Delhi Police says it is ‘false and misleading’ | Today’s news
A fake notification purportedly issued on behalf of the Delhi Police has gone viral on social media, falsely claiming that authorities are using facial recognition technology to identify people present in the “restricted area” near Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place.
The viral report, which appears in the format of an official police notification, claims that the recipients have been identified through CCTV footage and the Facial Recognition System (FRS). It further orders them to submit a written explanation within 48 hours, refrain from leaving the National Capital Territory of Delhi without prior permission, and warns that their devices are under surveillance with “24-hour location access”. Reacting to the viral report, the Delhi Police dismissed the report as fabricated.
This comes days after the CJP’s protest march to Parliament in the state capital on July 20, during which protesters demanded action over alleged irregularities in the competitive exams, including the NEET-UG paper leak and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned as the Union Education Minister on July 25. The march witnessed heavy security deployment, traffic restrictions and clashes between protesters.
The fabricated notice tried to create fear by warning the recipient to leave Delhi and threatening legal action for non-compliance.
It claimed: “During examination of CCTV footage and Facial Recognition System (FRS) footage, you have been identified as being present in the restricted area around Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place during the enforcement of the ban. You are hereby requested to submit your written explanation within 48 hours stating the purpose and circumstances of your presence in the said area.”
“Due to the ongoing investigation, you are directed not to leave the National Capital Territory of Delhi without prior permission until further notice. You should be prepared to appear for questioning before an investigating officer within the coming week. Your devices are under surveillance. We have 24-hour access to your location. So contact us. Failure to comply with this notice may result in legal action under applicable provisions of law.”
Delhi Police elaborates
“A fake notice allegedly issued by Delhi Police falsely claims that Delhi Police is using facial recognition system to harass people and illegally restrict their liberty. This claim is false and misleading. Delhi Police has not illegally detained any individual or restrained anyone using facial recognition technology. The viral notice is false and has no authenticity,” Delhi Police said.
He added, “Public is advised not to believe and spread such misinformation and rely only on official updates from Delhi Police.”
The Delhi Police urged citizens to verify information only through its official communication channels and avoid sharing unverified messages that could spread misinformation.
The Delhi Police is awaiting an official nod to withdraw the FIR against the protesters, the report said
After the Center assured that the cases filed against the NEET protestors who leaked the paper would be withdrawn, PTI, citing Delhi Police sources, said on Sunday that any further action would depend on official instructions and a communication from the concerned authority.
According to her source, 15 FIRs have been registered at various police stations in New Delhi district in connection with the July 20 violence and other incidents related to the ongoing protests.
The CJP’s protest was withdrawn on July 25 after the central government agreed to their key demands.
