In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Haryana police have dismantled a network of CCTV cameras allegedly used by drug peddlers to monitor police movements in Gurunanpura Mohalla, Fatehabad. This locality has been under scrutiny for its involvement in drug trafficking activities.
Resident Complaints Lead to Action
The police action came after repeated 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 been set up at various points in the neighborhood 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 were pointed directly towards streets, lanes, and entry points rather than the premises where they were installed.
Following the complaints, senior police officials reviewed the matter and ordered the removal of the cameras. Police teams later visited the locality and dismantled the installations.
Residents Speak Out
A resident, who did not wish to be named, said a small group involved in peddling drugs was damaging the reputation of the neighborhood. "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.
Police Response
Superintendent of Police Nikita Khattar stated that Gurunanpura 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 confirmed that the cameras had now been removed. She clarified that residents are free to install CCTV cameras outside their homes for security purposes, but not to monitor movement on public streets and lanes. The SP added that police surveillance in the area has been strengthened and efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks will continue.
The police have intensified surveillance in the area to prevent any resurgence of such activities. The removal of these cameras is seen as a major step in curbing drug trafficking in the region.
