A CCTV operator on election duty was arrested on Tuesday after he recorded and shared video footage from a high-security surveillance control room located near a strong room housing electronic voting machines (EVMs) at Anna University in Chennai. The incident sparked outrage when the clipping surfaced on social media platforms.
Details of the Incident
The accused, identified as Yuvaraj from Thiruvarur district, was deployed by a private firm contracted to install and maintain CCTV systems at election counting centres. He had been issued an identity card by the district election authorities, granting him access to monitor cameras at the Anna University campus. The campus currently stores EVMs from five assembly constituencies: T Nagar, Saidapet, Virugambakkam, Mylapore, and Velachery.
According to police, Yuvaraj entered the CCTV control room near the strong room and recorded video footage while watching a film on his laptop. He later uploaded the footage on social media, along with visuals from inside the control room. He used his official identity card to gain entry, claiming control over election surveillance operations.
Response and Legal Action
The breach was noticed by security personnel at the campus, who immediately alerted the district election officer. Based on a complaint, Kotturpuram police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act and the Information Technology Act for unauthorised recording in a prohibited area and misuse of official access.
Yuvaraj was arrested, and his mobile phone and laptop were seized. During interrogation, he stated that he recorded and shared the content on social media while on duty.
Security Measures at Counting Centres
Officials revealed that CCTV systems were installed at three counting centres — Anna University, Queen Mary's College, and Loyola College — with a total of 540 cameras. Anna University alone has 180 cameras. Access to surveillance areas has been restricted due to the presence of sealed EVMs.
