Patna, Sept. 21: Police in the state could soon be armed with a new weapon to nab the perpetrators of mob violence: digital cameras.

Instead of raining lathi blows and opening fire on mobs, the police personnel posted at the police stations across the state have been asked to use digital cameras to shoot the troublemakers during the protest. Director-general of police Abhayanand issued the directive yesterday.

Sources said the police top brass had come up with the novel idea to sustain the people-friendly image of the force, which has recently taken a beating after a number of instances of cops using brute force to control protesters.

The police lathicharge on women under Noorsarai police station in Nalanda, chief minister Nitish Kumar’s home district, police firing at Forbesganj in Araria, and two custodial deaths in Siwan and Rohtas have dented the people-friendly image of the police. These have also compelled the top officers to ponder over the rapid increase in the number of violent clashes.

Abhayananand held a meeting with senior police officers at the state police headquarters to seek their suggestions on the use of force by the policemen against people staging demonstrations and resorting to violent means on one pretext or the other.

The DGP, after deliberation with senior police officers, issued instructions to all the superintendents of police (SPs), asking them to purchase digital cameras and use them to record the demonstrators resorting to violence. “For the time being, the mobile phones with camera can be used for the purpose,” the DGP said.

The state police chief has also asked the field officers to lodge FIRs under sections 147 (rioting), 426 (mischief or nuisance) and 431 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code against those who indulge in vandalism, attack on security personnel and damage public property.

“The video footage will help the police identify the troublemakers and get them prosecuted under the relevant sections of the law,” a senior police officer said. He added that the video footage of the protesters turning violent would be used as evidence against them.

“Punishment will work as a deterrent for those who create nuisance and take the law in their hands,” the officer said.

He added: “This does not mean that the policemen should remain mute spectators and not use force if a serious law and order problem arises. Use of batons and bullets should, however, always be the last resort.”

According to the police, camera footage can be effective evidence against troublemakers in view of the 2009 amendment in the evidence law that permits the use of CDs as proof.

“The police will document events of disturbance and the troublemakers will be prosecuted on the basis of footage available with the police,” the officer added.

Though the sections clamped on the troublemakers are bailable, those found guilty would have to serve a jail term for two years or pay fine or both. Section 147 is a cognisable offence and if found guilty, the offenders may be awarded imprisonment for up to two years.

If found guilty under Section 426, an offender may have to undergo imprisonment for three months or pay fine or both. Similarly, there is provision of punishment for a month or fine of Rs 500 or both after being convicted under Section 341.