Punjab installs AI surveillance in jails; investigations ongoing

The Punjab government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it has finished installing artificial intelligence-based CCTV cameras in eight state jails. The installation of additional cameras in high-security areas is expected to be completed by May 2. The officials also mentioned improvements to the Prison Inmate Calling System. Other security measures, like the installation of X-Ray baggage scanners and body-worn cameras, will be done by the end of March. However, the High Court noted that the government's update did not address other important security enhancements. These include adding iron nylon mesh to the walls of certain jails that are considered vulnerable. The court has scheduled more discussions on this matter for March 27. In a separate issue, the court is looking into the interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while he was in police custody. The head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Prabodh Kumar, reported that significant progress has been made in the investigation, but it will take more time to finish. The court wants to understand the connections between police officers and gangsters, especially regarding how Bishnoi was allowed to use electronic devices for the interview. This situation raises concerns about the potential for glorifying crime and facilitating further criminal activity.