Witnesses risk their lives to help police, but...; What’s going wrong with witness safety in Delhi?

Two weeks have passed since a key witness in a double murder case was gunned down in southwest Delhi while sitting in his car. He’s not the first. In the past year alone, three witnesses have been killed. Several others have reported threats and intimidation.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court intervened, saying witnesses are the “eyes and ears” of the police and must be protected. That remark hit home for many legal experts, who argue that Delhi’s witness protection programme, though outlined in law, hasn’t been applied with real intent.

Police say protocols are in place

Delhi Police maintain they already take steps to keep witnesses safe. These include using code names in charge sheets to conceal identities and providing security if the threat level is high enough.


But many inside the system say it’s not enough. A senior retired police officer put it plainly:
“This is crucial so that important witnesses are not harmed or don't turn hostile in critical cases. Any complaint of witness intimidation should be given high priority given the extent to which Delhi Police's cases rely on witness statements.”

Sources say that the real issue is threat analysis. Often, risk is underestimated or ignored entirely in sensitive cases. Without proper evaluation, police can’t provide the right kind of protection at the right time.

What the new scheme promises

The Delhi government notified its revised witness protection scheme in April this year. It introduced a tiered threat-level system: high, moderate and low. Each level has corresponding safeguards. These include physical security, identity changes, help with relocation, and even special court settings to minimise exposure.

An officer explained how the system is meant to work, “The scheme is financed through a state witness protection fund, which is supported by budgetary allocations, court-imposed costs, donations and CSR contributions. Witnesses or their representatives can file applications for protection with the authority concerned, who will then prepare a threat analysis report and recommend protection measures.”

The protection orders can come either from the Delhi Police’s witness protection cell or directly from the trial court. If the case requires identity changes or relocation, the home department steps in.

Confidentiality is central to the scheme. All records must be preserved until court proceedings end. There’s also a 15-day window to appeal if a witness disagrees with a protection decision. And in cases where someone files a false claim, they could be asked to repay the costs.

Gaps between policy and practice

Despite its structure on paper, many feel the scheme falls short on the ground. Former police officials argue that real witness safety isn’t just about guards or courtroom logistics. Long-term support is vital, especially once the case drags on or media attention fades.

“Psychological support and counselling are crucial to help them cope with the emotional impact of testifying,” said a retired senior cop.

Delhi Police say they have a dedicated witness protection cell in every district. These are headed by officers of Additional DCP rank and are tasked with carrying out threat analysis reports and acting on them.

Still, three murders in one year tell a different story.

What other countries get right

Other countries have more comprehensive models. In many places, witness protection includes tangible, home-based safety upgrades such as security doors, CCTV cameras, alarms and fencing.

To guard their identity, witnesses may be given altered names or have initials changed in official records. If the threat is too severe, they and their families are moved to undisclosed locations.

In the United States, the Marshals Service runs the federal witness security programme. It goes further than just housing or security — it offers witnesses and their families entirely new identities, complete with new social security numbers.

The Supreme Court’s recent remarks have pushed witness safety back into national focus. The law may exist, but its implementation is uneven. The current approach often leaves witnesses exposed just when they need protection most.

The coming weeks may test whether Delhi’s witness protection programme can evolve from a document into something that genuinely saves lives — or whether more names will be added to the growing list of victims.