The Jammu and Kashmir Police has become the first police force in India to introduce GPS tracker anklets for monitoring terror accused individuals who are out on bail. The wearable device is affixed around the ankle of the person and tracks their movement. This technology is already being used in Western countries like the USA, UK, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand to monitor accused persons on bail, parole, and house arrest, which helps reduce prison congestion.
The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the J-K Police has introduced the GPS tracker anklet specifically for monitoring terror accused individuals who have been granted bail. This makes the J-K Police the first police department in India to implement this device. The decision to introduce the anklets came after a Special NIA Court in Jammu ordered the police to use them on a terror accused, emphasizing the significance of close monitoring as highlighted by the prosecution department of the police.
The case that prompted this action involves accused Ghulam Mohd Bhat, who had applied for bail while undergoing trial for his association with various terrorist organizations and involvement in terror financing on behalf of the proscribed terrorist organization Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Bhat has also been convicted in another case by the Special NIA Court in Patiala House, Delhi, for his association with a terrorist organization and conspiracy to commit a terrorist act.
The Special NIA Court in Jammu recognized the importance of closely monitoring terror accused individuals and the strict conditions for granting bail under the UAPA, 1967. As a result, the court ordered the J-K Police to affix a GPS tracker anklet on the accused.
The J-K Police is leading the way by being the first police department in India to provide GPS tracker anklets for individuals seeking bail. This initiative aims to ensure enhanced monitoring of terror accused individuals and stricter adherence to bail conditions.
