Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Railway Station has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening passenger security with the successful real-time identification and apprehension of habitual offenders through the AIpowered Facial Recognition System (FRS) of Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun”.
On the night of 02.02. 2026, at around 20:10 hrs, Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun”, deployed for surveillance and patrolling, detected a suspect by matching his facial image with the pre- loaded database of known criminals. The system immediately alerted the RPF CCTV Control Room, Visakhapatnam.
On receiving the alert, on-duty CCTV staff Head Constable B.S. Narayana analysed the live feed and promptly informed the on-duty officer, Sub-Inspector V. Keerthi Reddy, along with the Crime Prevention Detention Squad (CPDS) team of Waltair Division, who were present at the station. Acting swiftly, the team conducted a coordinated check and apprehended a habitual offender, Hadapa Shiva (39), and his associate, G. Bhangaru. Both failed to produce valid journey tickets and were brought to the RPF Post, Visakhapatnam, for further action.
Verification of their anteced- ents revealed that both are hardcore habitual offenders with extensive criminal records registered at Rayagada Police Station, involving multiple serious offences, including theft, robbery, dacoity, assault and arms- related cases over several years.
The apprehension was immediately reported to GRP Visakhapatnam, and joint interrogation was carried out by RPF, GRP and their teams. Following a detailed enquiry, it was concluded that the suspects had entered the station premises without valid authority and were detected at the entry stage itself by the AI-enabled Facial Recognition System of Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun”.
As both offenders were found travelling without tickets, they were dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Railways Act, 1989 (Amended 2003). The matter was also intimated to Rayagada Police for further necessary action.
Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra said the incident marked the successful real-time identification and apprehension of habitual offenders in a crowded public area by Rail Robocop “ASC Arjun” at Visakhapatnam station. The achievement clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of AI-powered surveillance and facial recognition technology in enhancing railway security and proactively preventing crime, thereby ensuring safer travel for passengers, he added.
