Jairam Thakur accuses Shimla SP of drone surveillance, sparks debate in Assembly

Shimla, August 30: On the fourth day of the monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur accused the Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) of monitoring his residence with drones. The allegation was made under a point of order before the Question Hour.

Thakur expressed his concern over being monitored by the police under the Point of Order. “I am being watched,” he said, alleging that the actions of the officers were violating his personal space, which he termed as inappropriate behaviour. He further claimed that the movements of those coming and going from his residence are being closely monitored, and phone tapping is already taking place – a situation he described as a “matter of grave concern”.

Thakur claimed that drone surveillance was an invasion of his privacy and a violation of his personal boundaries. He expressed concern that his movements and those of those visiting his house were being closely monitored.

Addressing the assembly, Thakur warned officers to stay within their legal limits, stressing that governments come and go but the conduct of officers must remain within legal limits and respect for privacy. His remarks created a stir in the assembly, with Thakur urging that the matter should be taken seriously. Thakur stressed that the issue goes beyond their privacy, touching wider implications of democracy and civil rights.