828 CCTV cameras non-functional at Odisha’s police stations, outposts
Odisha police have reported that over 800 CCTV cameras in police stations and outposts are currently non-functional. The state government is seeking urgent funding to restore these surveillance systems following judicial pressure regarding custodial safety.
Why it matters
Functional surveillance in police stations is critical for ensuring accountability and preventing custodial abuse, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Surveillance at police stations and outposts across Odisha has been affected after 828 CCTV cameras were found to be non-functional, prompting the Odisha police to seek immediate release of funds to restore them and ensure uninterrupted monitoring.
As per Supreme Court directions, all CCTV cameras installed at police stations and outposts are required to remain functional at all times.
The Orissa High Court had expressed concern over non-functional CCTV cameras in the wake of the alleged custodial abuse of an army officer and the sexual harassment of his fiancée at a police station in Bhubaneswar in 2024. It was alleged that there were no CCTV cameras installed at the Bharatpur police station, where the abuse took place.
The Mohan Majhi Government assured the High Court it would complete the installation of the CCTV cameras within three months. The State has 645 police stations and 263 outposts.
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