Police says facial recognition identified participants with pending criminal cases; Supreme Court separately examining allegations of police excesses

Delhi Police has claimed that 2,873 people with pending criminal cases participated in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Parliament March held on July 20, including 101 individuals accused in murder cases. The police said the participants were identified using technological tools, including the Facial Recognition System (FRS), and alleged that 989 of them are involved in serious criminal offences.

The claims come as the Supreme Court is separately hearing petitions alleging excessive police force during the student-led protest, making the events surrounding the July 20 demonstration a subject of both criminal investigation and judicial scrutiny.

Police cites serious criminal background

According to Delhi Police, those identified through its verification process face charges across multiple categories of serious crime. Besides the 101 murder accused, the list includes 62 individuals booked for attempted murder, 284 for robbery and dacoity, 61 for rape, six under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 25 for crimes against women, 229 under the Arms Act, 135 for snatching, 19 for kidnapping, and 67 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Police officials alleged that many among those identified are repeat offenders with multiple criminal cases pending against them.

Police personnel among those injured

The July 20 Parliament March witnessed clashes between protesters and security personnel in central Delhi after demonstrators attempted to move towards Parliament.

Delhi Police said 118 police personnel, including senior officers ranging from the Special Commissioner to ACP rank, sustained injuries during the violence. Several women police personnel were also among the injured. Around 60 protesters were reportedly injured during the confrontation.

Security forces used lathi-charge and tear gas after the situation escalated, while incidents of stone-pelting were also reported.

Social media posts under scanner

Delhi Police also said it has issued notices to multiple social media platforms seeking the removal of posts and videos allegedly containing objectionable or abusive remarks targeting the Prime Minister that were circulated during the Jantar Mantar protest and the Parliament March.

According to the police, the action is part of its ongoing investigation into content shared during and after the protests.

Matter under judicial review

The police's latest claims come amid ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court, where petitions have alleged excessive force by law enforcement during the student protests. The apex court has ordered preservation of evidence and is examining allegations relating to the police response, while the Delhi Police continues its investigation into violence during the demonstration.