Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Railway Station achieved a major milestone in passenger security with the successful identification and apprehension of habitual offenders using the AI-powered Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun”. This marks a significant advancement in leveraging artificial intelligence and facial recognition systems to ensure safety at major railway hubs.
Real-Time Detection of Criminals
On the night of February 2, 2026, at around 20:10 hrs, Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun,” deployed for routine surveillance and patrolling, detected a suspect by matching his facial image with a pre-loaded database of known criminals. The system instantly alerted the RPF CCTV Control Room at Visakhapatnam Railway Station.
Head Constable B.S. Narayana, monitoring the live feed, promptly informed Sub Inspector V. Keerthi Reddy and the Crime Prevention Detention Squad (CPDS) team of Waltair Division. Acting immediately on the alert, the team conducted a coordinated check and apprehended Hadapa Shiva (39) and his associate G. Bhangaru.
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Habitual Offenders with Criminal History
Both individuals failed to produce valid journey tickets and were handed over to the RPF post for further action. Verification of their antecedents revealed that they were hardcore habitual offenders with extensive criminal records registered at Rayagada Police Station, including offences such as:
- Theft
- Robbery
- Dacoity
- Assault
- Arms-related cases
The suspects were detected at the station entry point itself, thanks to the AI-enabled facial recognition system, preventing any further criminal activity or unauthorized entry.
Legal Action and Coordination with Police
As the offenders were travelling without tickets, they were dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Railways Act, 1989 (Amended 2003). The case was also intimated to Rayagada Police for additional action. Joint interrogation was conducted by RPF and GRP teams, ensuring complete procedural compliance.
East Coast Railway Applauds Technological Intervention
Mr. Parmeshwar Funkwal, General Manager of East Coast Railway, praised the incident as a testament to the effectiveness of AI-driven security solutions. He highlighted that Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun” had successfully identified habitual offenders in real-time, helping security agencies take timely action.
Encouraged by the results, the East Coast Railway plans to expand the use of AI-powered security systems across more stations, aiming to enhance passenger safety and create a secure travel environment for the public.
