2020 vs 2025: Delhi Police surveillance up 3 times ahead of elections

NEW DELHI: Compared to the 2020 assembly polls, Delhi Police has tripled the number of flying squads and static surveillance teams in the runup to the Feb 5 elections.

While about 420 such teams were pressed into action in both the 2020 assembly election as well as the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, 1,260 squads have been deployed on the ground this time to keep a hawk's eye on the movement of illicit liquor, large sums of money, arms and ammunition and anti-social elements.

Since Jan 7, when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect, the teams have seized liquor valued at Rs 1 crore, drugs worth Rs 15 lakh and Rs 3 crore in cash. A total of 402 cases have been registered for MCC violations.

Special commissioner of police (crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava, who is the state nodal police officer for the Delhi assembly elections, said the number of flying squads and static surveillance teams increased threefold as per the Election Commission's directions.

"This enhancement enables every assembly constituency to have nine teams of each for eight hours," he said, adding that the team will consist of police and paramilitary personnel and a revenue official.

According to police, earlier, fewer teams covered a constituency, and hence, the number was increased. "Static surveillance teams will set up checkpoints on major roads and borders to monitor illicit liquor and arms. The process will be videotaped," police said.

Cops are being deployed in plainclothes near liquor vends to keep an eye on anyone buying a large quantity of alcohol. If a complaint is received about distribution of cash or gift or liquor and voter intimidation, the flying squad can respond immediately. Police also plan to use AI-driven cameras and drones to monitor suspicious activity.

From Jan 7-19, a total of 219 people were arrested for violation of Arms Act, and 212 illegal weapons and 295 cartridges were seized. While 622 people were nabbed for alleged illegal liquor supply, 13,254 allegedly involved in illegal activities were caught.

Delhi has 43 major borders and 121 small ones. According to an officer, "Apart from the major borders, Delhi Police will seal smaller borders to curb any type of untoward incidents. The borders will see the installation of AI-based FRS cameras."

There are 470 critical polling premises and 2,922 critical polling booths that will see heightened security arrangements. "In the 2020 election, there were 178 companies of paramilitary forces; now, there are 220," the officer said.

Delhi Police is also procuring 500 buses, 300 cars and 250 light commercial vehicles for the movement of forces during the elections. There are also plans to procure platoon carriers, which are mostly used in Naxal-affected areas.

Police are also promoting voting awareness by collaborating with schools, encouraging students to motivate their parents to exercise their franchise, and setting up selfie points at malls to inspire participation.

Deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Surendra Choudhary said they are making use of nukkad nataks.

DCP (Shahdara) Prashant Priya Gautam said they are collaborating with schools and asking principals to assign a project to students. This involves submitting pictures of their parents' inked fingers after they cast their votes. "I will hold meetings with hotel and restaurant owners of popular food joints to offer discounts to those who vote," he added.