Police to deploy drones to manage large-scale protests

Haryana Police will deploy drones to manage large-scale protests with minimal manpower.

Equipped with tear gas shells, indelible ink spray and warning systems, these drones will first issue warnings to agitators, then mark protesters with indelible ink for future identification and, if required, disperse crowds by releasing tear gas shells.

A mock drill of the drone system was conducted at the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban, to test its efficiency and accuracy. The demonstration took place in the presence of DGP Haryana Shatrujeet Kapur, senior police officials and representatives of Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Limited (DRIISHYA) — a state-backed initiative headquartered in Karnal — including its CEO Phool Kumar.

Experts showcased how drones can be used to disperse large-scale protests without the deployment of a large police force. The demonstration was carried out successfully and appreciated by the DGP and other senior officers. This initiative is being jointly undertaken by the Haryana Police with the support of DRIISHYA.

“Haryana police have designed a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) where technology will play a central role in handling mass protests. Drones will not only help police control and disperse agitators but also identify them for future investigation,” said the DGP while addressing mediapersons after the demonstration.

He explained that last year’s major demonstrations were effectively managed with the help of drones, and today’s drill was a practical display of how protests could be controlled with minimal manpower. “Using drones, tear gas can be deployed from a distance, eliminating the need for direct confrontation with protesters,” he added.

The DGP further said Haryana frequently witnesses large-scale agitations and earlier methods often involved lathicharge or heavy police action. With the new SOP, drones equipped with public address systems will first issue warnings. If needed, drones will then spray indelible ink to mark protesters for later identification. In extreme situations, drones can release tear gas shells, dispersing crowds without risking the safety of police personnel.

Kapur also emphasised that this technology could prove equally effective in anti-crime operations. “Just as our Air Force successfully destroyed enemy bases during Operation Sindoor without crossing the border, policing too is entering a new technological era. Many tasks that previously required large police forces can now be handled efficiently with drones,” he said.

CEO of DRIISHYA, Phool Kumar, said that 23 police personnel from Karnal have already been trained in the first batch at the DRIISHYA Training School in Karnal to operate these drones. Training for personnel from other districts will follow in the coming days.

Later, the DGP conducted a crime review meeting with the senior police officials of the state.