Digital traps await suspect troublemakers at Sabarimala

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government, determined to chase 'troublemakers' at Sabarimala, have set digital traps to detect them easily in case they turn up again during the upcoming Mandalakala-Makaravilakku season. Inspector General Manoj Abraham said the face-detection technology will be fully operational from November 14.

The police will upload on face-detection cameras the photos of some 400 people who were arrested under non-bailable provisions for igniting violence when the Sree Dharma Sastha temple opened for the first time earlier this month after the Supreme Court verdict that allowed the entry of women in the 10 to 50 age group. These cameras are being mounted at Sabarimala. Twelve cameras powered with face-detection technology have been already installed at Pamba, Nilakkal and the Sannidhanam. Another 10 cameras will soon be operationalised for the surveillance work.

Computers driving the face-detection technology examine every face that is registered in the video. The camera's software will immediately alert the police if anyone among the 400 under watch arrive in Sabarimala.

Keltron will upload their photos on the software very soon. Cameras placed at different locations will make it easy for the police to trace their movements.

Alterations in facial features, including hair style and beard, will not help to evade face detection. Masked faces can escape detection, but the police will organise other methods to track them.

The cameras were initially organised to detect criminals and thieves who enter Sabarimala.