The Delhi police, which has its own CCTV network to monitor law and order across the national capital, is now baffled by what can be called a role reversal -- criminals using such cameras to track movement of local police around their hideouts.
The trend came to light in the posh southern part of the city where a gambling racket was operating full time but came out clean every time police paid a surprise visit.
The police later received input about CCTV cameras installed around the gamblers' hideout in Vasant Gaon area and planned a secret operation, a senior official said.
But things only got worse as a woman, who allegedly sheltered the gang, confronted the police team and accused them of harassing her, that too by entering the premises of her house, and to support her claims, she had CCTV grabs.
The terrified beat officials went back to the police station and reported the matter, compelling the station in-charge to take up the issue with senior officials.
"It has been observed that criminals indulged in sale of illicit liquor, running gambling rackets and selling drugs, have installed CCTV cameras in their houses to keep check on the movements of beat constables of the area.
"If any beat constable dares to enter the premises forcibly, they would use these CCTV cameras as evidence, alleging them of having gone there to demand money or harassment caused to women living inside the premises," Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ishwar Singh said.
In late April, the Special Task Force of South district was assigned the job of tracking such gangs and bringing them to book. In around 10 days, the special team busted three such cases, including another gambling racket, an illicit liquor supplier and a marijuana peddling ring.
The marijuana ring, busted in Sangam Vihar area, was allegedly headed by a 50-year-old woman who had installed CCTV cameras in and around her shanty from where the dealings took place. She wrapped up within seconds every time her informers, who were tasked with monitoring the footage, informed her of police presence, a senior official said.
The CCTV cameras in all three cases were very strategically positioned and well-covered with sacks, rugs and gunny bags, the lenses left exposed for unhindered surveillance.
After south, investigators in other police districts are also now developing intelligence on the same trend in areas under their jurisdiction, he added.
