‘There is legal and operational context for using GPS trackers on terrorists who manage bail’
With Jammu and Kashmir Police taking lead in using Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers on ankles of terrorists out on bail, Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain Monday said that move will help curb narco-smuggling and terrorist activities too.
A few days ago, J&K police on the directions of court, installed an anklet worn GPS tracker on a terror crime accused out on bail, so that his movements can be monitored round the clock during the bail period.
The Special National Investigation Agency Court in Jammu ordered police to affix a GPS tracker on an alleged terrorist operative of Hizbul Mujahideen, who is accused for mobilizing funds for Pakistan-based terror outfit and released on bail. The direction by the NIA court came after the accused applied for bail in the case registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in Udhampur in Jammu region.
The special court issued the direction to affix an anklet with GPS tracker after the prosecution submitted that there was a need for close monitoring of the terror-accused
Director General of Police (DGP) Swain explained the procedure for installation of first of its kind Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers in the region. Emphasizing the critical role of tracker, the DGP said it is a crucial tool in monitoring the activities of individuals who have received bail under specific conditions.
Swain while speaking to media at Jammu, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he said, there are legal contexts and operational contexts, both are interconnected.
“Operational context is that those who do repeated offences be it terrorism, smuggling of narcotics, or heinous offences of some sort, when they get bail, it is given on the condition that they'll not commit another crime, will not tamper with the evidence, and will not avenge the witnesses,” he said.
The DGP as per KNO said that that bail granted on these conditions does not imply the closure of the case, and the legal system places its trust in the individuals to adhere to the stipulated bail conditions.
DGP Swain elaborated on the practical implementation of GPS trackers, stating, "The first tracker was installed on an individual who was carrying Rs 50 lakh in a cylinder for terrorist and separatist financing. Through the tracker, we can monitor his movements and ensure that he complies with the bail conditions following the orders of the Court," he said. The DGP said that introducing of GPS trackers will help curb narco-smuggling, terror-funding and terrorist activities as well.
“With this device, we would be able to monitor the movement as to whether the person out on bail is meeting someone to collect narco-consignment, terror funds and also whether he is meeting any active terrorists etc. So the technology will help us a lot,” he said
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