Bengaluru Police mandate body cameras for passport verification, no station summons allowed

New city-wide order enforces home verification, advance notice, strict monitoring, and zero tolerance for harassment or bribery'

In a major move to strengthen transparency and accountability in passport verification, the Bengaluru Police Commissionerate has issued fresh guidelines making the use of body-worn cameras compulsory for officers during the entire verification process.

The directions were issued through a circular by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh on Wednesday, based on the instructions of M.A. Saleem, Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP). The circular clearly states that all police officers and staff involved in passport verification must mandatorily visit the residential address provided by the applicant and collect necessary information from neighbours and local residents.

Also Read:Karnataka High Court sets clear rules for accessing spouse’s income records in maintenance cases

Officers have been strictly instructed not to summon passport applicants to police stations under any circumstances. The verification must be conducted only at the applicant’s residence, and the entire process must be recorded using body-worn cameras, from the beginning until completion, to ensure complete transparency.

As per the new guidelines, applicants must be informed at least 24 hours in advance, either through SMS or a phone call, before the verification visit. This is aimed at reducing inconvenience and ensuring preparedness on the part of applicants.

The circular also warns officers against filing adverse reports without clear, factual, and verifiable evidence. Any form of harassment, delay, or inconvenience caused intentionally to applicants is strictly prohibited. Officials have been categorically warned not to expect any favour, gratification, or engage in any activity aimed at demanding bribes.

Also Read:Property tax crackdown sparks row: GBA accused of targeting poor, sparing big defaulters

To ensure strict implementation, Divisional Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been directed to personally monitor compliance with the new rules. They must submit weekly compliance reports to the police headquarters. Any relaxation of the prescribed norms will require prior written approval from senior authorities. The memorandum further clarifies that failure to follow the instructions will attract strict disciplinary action.

In a separate directive to all unit heads, DG&IGP M.A. Saleem reiterated that adverse remarks without proper proof, especially those intended to harass applicants or extract bribes, will not be tolerated. All unit officers have been instructed to ensure immediate and strict enforcement of the guidelines and submit an Action Taken Report without delay.

These measures are expected to make passport verification more transparent, citizen-friendly, and corruption-free across Bengaluru.