The videos circulating from Delhi's Jantar Mantar protests have led to widespread speculation, but based on what is publicly known, there is no evidence that Delhi Police is using Aadhaar to identify protesters.
Here's what is currently known:
According to reports, Delhi Police has deployed AI-enabled surveillance vehicles equipped with 360-degree cameras and facial recognition software near the protest site.
Police officials have reportedly said the system compares faces captured on CCTV with their existing criminal database to alert officers if someone with a criminal record is present.
The system is reportedly housed in the Ikshana surveillance vehicle, which was introduced ahead of the 2023 G20 Summit.
The viral videos appear to show a screen displaying photographs and personal details after a face is detected. However:
There is no indication in the videos that the data is being retrieved from Aadhaar.
Delhi Police has not stated that the system is connected to the Aadhaar database.
No official agency has confirmed which specific database supplies the personal information shown on the monitoring screens.
The deployment has nevertheless raised broader concerns about privacy and surveillance. Some protesters have reportedly begun covering their faces, saying they fear being identified and potentially profiled later, particularly because many are preparing for government jobs. Questions have also been raised about how long the recorded footage will be retained.
The issue has reached the Delhi High Court, where a petition argues that continuous monitoring of protesters infringes on the rights to privacy and peaceful assembly. Delhi Police has maintained that the videography is intended to maintain law and order and ensure public safety, rather than to conduct surveillance.
In short, the current evidence supports the following:
AI-powered facial recognition appears to be in use.
Police say it matches faces against a criminal database.
There is no official evidence or confirmation that Aadhaar is being used.
The source of the personal information displayed by the system has not been publicly explained.
