Police in Assam’s Cachar district have arrested two men from Mizoram for allegedly collecting facial biometric data from local residents without proper authorisation during a registration exercise conducted in Silchar. The incident has raised concerns over the handling and collection of sensitive biometric information, particularly from young people who reportedly took part in the exercise without fully understanding how their personal data would be used.According to police, the biometric registration drive was organised earlier this week at a marriage hall in Silchar. Local youths were reportedly invited to participate in facial recognition and biometric scanning sessions in exchange for small payments.The accused have been identified as Vanlalrinchhana (33) and Raymond Vatha Chozah (34), both residents of Mizoram. Police said the two men had been staying in Silchar for the past several months.
Cachar Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rajat Pal said the duo allegedly carried out the exercise without proper authorisation or supporting documents.“They collected biometric data from youths by offering them small amounts of money without proper authorisation or clear documentation,” Pal said.Police said more than 200 residents, most of them youths, had already submitted facial recognition details and biometric impressions before the operation came under police scrutiny.“They collected facial recognition data and biometric impressions of more than 200 residents, mostly youths, but they are unable to show any valid reason for the exercise,” Pal added. Following initial complaints and scrutiny, police detained the two men for questioning before formally arresting them.A case has been registered at Silchar Sadar police station under cheating charges along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.
Investigators are now examining the nature of the alleged connection with an American multinational company that was reportedly mentioned during the registration process.According to police, several youths who participated in the exercise claimed they were told that the registration was part of a “special scheme” linked to a US-based multinational firm.Authorities are trying to verify whether the accused had any official association with the company they allegedly referred to during the biometric collection process.The incident has triggered wider concerns over unauthorised collection of biometric and facial recognition data. Such information is considered highly sensitive because it includes unique personal identifiers that can be misused if not handled under proper legal safeguards and data protection measures. Police have not yet disclosed the exact purpose behind the data collection exercise or how the information gathered from participants was intended to be used.
