The police have dismantled a network of CCTV cameras allegedly used by drug peddlers to monitor police movements in Gurunanakpura Mohalla, an area that has been under the scanner for drug trafficking.
The action followed complaints from residents, who alleged that cameras installed across the locality were being used to alert drug traffickers about police raids and patrols.
According to locals, dozens of cameras had come up at various points in the neighbourhood over the past few months. While some houses had one or two cameras, others had four or five. Residents claimed that many of these devices pointed directly towards the streets, lanes and entry points rather than the premises where they were installed.
Following complaints, senior police officials reviewed the matter and ordered the removal of the cameras. Police teams later visited the locality and dismantled the installations.
A resident, who did not wish to be named, said a small group involved in peddling drugs was damaging the reputation of the neighbourhood. “Looking to make quick money, they have forgotten all moral values,” he said.
The resident alleged that drug abuse had affected several families in the area. “The actions of a few people are bringing a bad name to the entire locality,” he added.
Superintendent of Police Nikita Khattar said Gurunanakpura had emerged as a drug trafficking hotspot, with the police receiving repeated complaints from residents.
“Some people had installed CCTV cameras in the streets to keep track of police movement. Whenever they noticed police activity, they would quickly move or hide contraband material,” she said.
Khattar said the cameras had now been removed. She clarified that residents were free to install CCTV cameras outside their homes for security purposes, but not to monitor movement on public streets and lanes. The SP said police surveillance in the area had been strengthened and efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks would continue.
