AI Surveillance Helps Nab Habitual Offenders at Vizag Station

Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra said AI-based surveillance helped railway authorities identify and detain two habitual offenders at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, underscoring a stronger push toward tech-driven passenger security.

The detection occurred on February 2 at about 8:10 pm, when the Facial Recognition System integrated with Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun” flagged a suspect during routine monitoring. The system matched the person’s face with a database of known offenders and alerted the CCTV Control Room of the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

On duty, Head Constable B.S. Narayana reviewed the live feed and alerted Sub Inspector V. Keerthi Reddy and the Crime Prevention Detection Squad of Waltair Division. The team conducted a coordinated check at the station and detained Hadapa Shiva, 39, and G. Bhangaru.

Officials said both men failed to produce valid journey tickets and were brought to the RPF Post for enquiry. Background verification showed they are repeat offenders with several serious cases registered at Rayagada Police Station, including theft, robbery, dacoity, assault, and arms-related offences.

The case was shared with GRP Visakhapatnam, and a joint interrogation followed. Officials said the suspects had entered the station premises without proper authority and were intercepted at the entry stage by the AI-enabled system.

As both were found travelling without tickets, action was initiated under the Indian Railways Act, 1989. Rayagada Police have also been informed of further legal steps related to their earlier cases.

Bohra said the incident shows how AI tools can deliver real-time identification even in crowded public areas and help prevent crime before it occurs, improving safety for passengers.