CJP Protest: Delhi Police Say Facial Recognition Identified 2,873 People With Criminal Records

Delhi Police have claimed that 2,873 individuals with criminal backgrounds were identified among those present during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest in the national capital using the force's Facial Recognition System (FRS). According to police sources, 989 of those identified had prior records in serious criminal cases, including murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, Arms Act offences and narcotics-related crimes.

The claims come as the investigation into the violence that broke out during the July 20 protest continues. Police also released CCTV footage that they said captured protesters breaching barricades, pelting stones, damaging police property and violating prohibitory orders. These claims are based on the police investigation and have not been independently verified. CJP Warns of Fresh Protest, Demands Withdrawal of FIRs Against Student Demonstrators (Video).

Delhi Police Claim 2,873 People With Criminal Backgrounds Were Present at CJP Protest

According to Delhi Police sources, many of those identified through FRS cameras had previously been booked in serious criminal cases. Officials alleged that several of these individuals were present at or near protest sites where violence erupted on July 20.

Police said most of those identified were traced to areas in North-East Delhi, including Jafrabad, Chand Bagh and Seelampur, as well as Jamia Nagar, Shaheen Bagh and Okhla in South-East Delhi. Some were also linked to parts of Central Delhi. CJP Urges Centre To Release Protesters in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar; Withdraw FIRs by July 28.

Delhi Police also released CCTV footage purportedly showing the sequence of events during the protest. According to officials, the footage shows protesters allegedly breaching barricades, pelting stones at security personnel, using pepper spray, overturning vehicles and vandalising police property.

Police further alleged that personnel were assaulted, official vehicles were damaged, and some protesters snatched and damaged the footwear of security personnel. The footage also purportedly shows violations of prohibitory orders and attempts to disrupt law and order.

According to the police, 989 of the 2,873 identified individuals had records in serious criminal cases.

The police provided the following breakdown:

• Murder: 101 individuals
• Attempt to murder: 62 individuals
• Dacoity and robbery: 284 individuals
• Rape: 61 individuals
• POCSO Act offences: 6 individuals
• Molestation of women: 25 individuals
• Arms Act cases: 229 individuals
• Snatching: 135 individuals
• Kidnapping: 19 individuals
• NDPS and narcotics-related offences: 67 individuals

Police highlight repeat offenders

Delhi Police also said several of those identified had been involved in multiple criminal cases.

According to the data shared by the police:

• Of the 101 individuals linked to murder cases, 42 had two or more criminal cases, while 12 had records in ten or more cases.
• Among the 62 individuals linked to attempted murder, 25 had multiple criminal cases.
• Of the 284 individuals connected to dacoity or robbery cases, 155 had two or more criminal cases and 31 had records in ten or more cases.
• Eight of the 61 individuals linked to rape cases had multiple criminal records.
• Six of the 25 individuals linked to molestation cases were repeat offenders.
• Nine of the 67 individuals linked to NDPS-related offences had more than one criminal case registered against them.

Delhi Police said the findings suggest that a significant number of people present at or near the protest sites were not first-time offenders but individuals with extensive criminal histories, including involvement in serious offences.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 07:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).