New Delhi, Jan 20 (.) Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav on Tuesday claimed that between 7,500 and 9,700 CCTV cameras in Delhi were non-functional, hampering crime prevention in the Capital.
Yadav said the figure relates to the period from August 2025 to January 2026, out of a total of approximately 2.8 lakh installed cameras. He attributed the malfunctions to power cuts, technical glitches, theft, and vandalism, holding the current BJP-led government responsible for the operational failure.
The Congress leader also referenced a past allegation of corruption, noting that over 32,000 cameras were found defective by mid-2025. He cited an ongoing Anti-Corruption Bureau investigation into a Rs 571 crore case against former Aam Aadmi Party minister Satyendra Jain related to the camera installation process.
Yadav criticized the current Rekha Gupta government for what he called a “complete failure” to ensure the cameras are properly maintained. He urged immediate action to repair defective cameras and expedite a tender for 50,000 new installations, warning that criminals are thriving in the absence of surveillance.
Highlighting public safety concerns, Yadav pointed to 117 identified accident black spots and several high-risk areas, including GT Karnal Road, Sarai Kale Khan, Ashram Chowk, and Mukarba Chowk where functional cameras and street lighting are urgently needed.
He asserted that adequate functioning CCTVs and street lights could significantly reduce road accidents and crimes, adding that Delhi has earned the dubious distinction of becoming the “crime capital” due to rising incidents of robbery, snatching, and attacks on vulnerable groups.
The Congress leader held both the BJP governments at the Centre and in Delhi responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation.
. ATK SAS PRS