CCTV Cameras Must Function in All Police Stations Across Telangana

Telangana has a total of 904 police stations, including 392 rural, 350 urban, and 162 other units. CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations in all these stations. However, concerns have been raised that in many critical situations, these cameras are either non-functional or deliberately kept inactive. Critics allege that this is done to prevent internal activities from being recorded.

With courts repeatedly taking serious note of this issue, senior officials have now stepped in to ensure strict compliance. Clear instructions have been issued to ensure that CCTV cameras in all police stations across the state function without interruption. Special monitoring mechanisms are also being put in place to ensure continuous surveillance.

Following Court Directions

In 2020, the Supreme Court of India directed that CCTV cameras must be installed in all police stations nationwide. This came in response to allegations of custodial harassment, illegal detention, and misconduct by police personnel. Despite the directive, several states showed lax implementation. Telangana, despite being technologically advanced, also faced criticism for non-functional CCTV systems.

Repeated observations and warnings from the judiciary have now compelled authorities to act decisively to avoid future legal and administrative complications.

Past Incidents Raise Serious Concerns

In July 2021, a custodial death incident at the Addagudur Police Station under the Rachakonda Commissionerate triggered statewide outrage. When the High Court ordered the examination of CCTV footage, it was found that the cameras were not operational, leading to strong judicial criticism.

In 2022, allegations surfaced at the Shadnagar Police Station under the Cyberabad Commissionerate, where a Dalit woman was reportedly subjected to humiliation. Once again, CCTV cameras failed to provide evidence as they were not working.

In 2023, a man named Chevvu Madhavulu approached the High Court, alleging assault by an SI at the Thimmajipet Police Station in Nagarkurnool district. Upon court-ordered verification, authorities encountered the same issue of non-functional CCTV cameras.

These recurring incidents have highlighted the urgent need for strict enforcement of CCTV surveillance in police stations to ensure transparency and accountability.