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This is an archive article published on November 29, 2015

Preventing custodial deaths: Maharashtra to install 400 CCTV cameras in 25 police stations

The state has decided to put up these cameras in two police stations in each of the 12 zones that constitute the Mumbai Commissionerate limits.

NEARLY a year after the Bombay High Court ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at police stations, the state government has approved a proposal for over 400 such cameras in 25 select police stations in the city. The Home Ministry, earlier this week, gave the financial go-ahead for the project, which is being carried out on a pilot basis and will cost the state exchequer Rs 65 lakh.

A division Bench of Justices V M Kanade and P D Kode had, in August last year, directed the state government to install CCTV cameras at police stations while hearing petitions filed by families of those who had died in custody. One of the petitions dealt with the April 2014 death of Agnello Valdaris at the Wadala railway police station. The HC had termed these deaths as alarming.

Despite repeated reminders by the court, the project had been stuck. Earlier this week, the government said it would call out tenders for the cameras. The state has decided that five CCTV cameras will suffice for each police station. The Bombay High Court wants the cameras to be placed in every corridor, room and lock-up of the police stations.

The state has decided to put up these cameras in two police stations in each of the 12 zones that constitute the Mumbai Commissionerate limits. The stations that have been selected include Colaba, MRA, VP Marg, DD Road, Wadala, Nagpada, Worli, Kalachowkie, RAK Marg, Mahim, Kurla, Chembur, Nehru Nagar, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bandra Kurla Complex, Santa Cruz, Juhu, Powai, MIDC, Malad, Malvani, Dindoshi, Dahisar. A total of 124 rotating and 275 fixed CCTV cameras will be put up by the state.

“We will invite tenders from outside for the project. We are hoping that the entire process can be implemented within six months,” a senior Home Ministry official said.

The first batch of CCTV cameras that will monitor Mumbai will function from Monday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to formally inaugurate the operations of 1,000 CCTV cameras.

Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise  Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More

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