To tackle the menace of organized crime, especially those facilitated by technology, police in Punjab state of India are roping in artificial intelligence (AI) to identify alleged gangsters and history-sheeters and take preventive action against them.
The effectiveness of the AI system was recently demonstrated when police intercepted two associates of a foreign-based gangster who were allegedly preparing for a targeted killing. Officers tracked their conversations through digital surveillance and arrested them before the attack, recovering weapons from their possession.
At the center of this strategy is the Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS), a mobile application-based platform that has transformed how investigators analyze threat calls and criminal communications. The database contains voice samples of nearly 72,000 criminals and suspects collected during investigations across the state.
Whenever an extortion or threat call is reported, the system analyses the voice recording using artificial intelligence and matches it with the stored samples. Within minutes, investigators can identify the caller and link the threat to a specific gangster network. Earlier, calls made through international numbers or internet-based services were extremely difficult to trace.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said-“The Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS) is being developed to leverage advanced technologies such as facial recognition and voice recognition to assist Punjab Police in identifying and tracing local as well as foreign-based wanted criminals.
The system aims to strengthen investigative capabilities and support data-driven policing by integrating advanced analytics with existing databases.”
Police officials say every digital interaction leaves behind a footprint. By analyzing call records, messages, financial transactions and travel patterns, investigators are able to piece together crucial clues and detect criminal plans at an early stage.
To strengthen operations further, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has been given expanded powers. The specialized unit now has statewide jurisdiction and its own police station, allowing officers to pursue suspects across districts without administrative delays.
Police estimate that nearly 60 gangsters linked to Punjab are currently operating from abroad, particularly from Canada and the United States. Dedicated Fugitive Tracking Cells have been established to coordinate with central agencies and international organizations, including Interpol, to monitor and seek extradition of these fugitives.
Retired ADGP Gurinder Dhillon said the use of artificial intelligence marks an important shift in policing. “In the modern era, AI has become extremely helpful for surveillance. When it comes to controlling gangsterism and organized crime, such technology will prove very effective for law enforcement agencies,” he said.
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