Police await official nod on withdrawal of FIRs against NEET paper leak protesters
Following the Centre’s assurance that cases against the NEET paper leak protesters would be withdrawn, Delhi Police sources on Sunday said it would take further action only after receiving official communication and guidelines from the competent authority. The source, however, said the announcement regarding withdrawal of the cases would not affect the ongoing investigation into the alleged larger conspiracy behind the clashes.
The source said 15 FIRs have been registered so far at different police stations in the New Delhi district in connection with the July 20 violence and other incidents linked to the ongoing protests.
On Saturday, at a joint press conference with Cockroach Janata Party spokespersons Saurav Das and Abhiseh Ranka, Union minister JP Nadda had said that the government agreed to withdraw FIRs registered against protesters and would provide a written assurance on the agreed demands by Tuesday.
“We will act according to the guidelines and official communication after receiving from the competent authority,” the source said.
Police are examining CCTV footage, digital evidence, mobile phone records, and statements of witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify those suspected of planning, instigating or participating in the violence.
Police have also identified over 2,500-3000 people with criminal backgrounds and bad characters using their facial recognition system (FRS).
“It acts as a strong deterrent and allows us to keep a close watch on those who may attempt to misuse the protest to create law and order problems,” sources said. Once a face is captured, it is quickly matched with the police database. If a wanted or absconding accused is detected, the concerned police unit is immediately alerted, and legal action can be initiated without delay,” sources said. Police said the technology will also help identify habitual offenders who have repeatedly figured in criminal cases and are listed as “Bad Characters” in Delhi Police records.”
More than 200 police personnel and 70 protesters sustained injuries during the July 20 clashes, while several government vehicles and other public property were damaged, they said.
The source said the conspiracy probe would continue irrespective of the proposed withdrawal of the FIRs and all evidence collected during the investigation would be examined as part of the ongoing inquiry.
