Gallery of repeat offenders to come up at GRP, RPF stations
Bhubaneswar: To prevent crimes during Rath Yatra, for the first time "rogues' galleries" will be set up in railway protection force (
) and government railway police (GRP) stations in Puri and Bhubaneswar, displaying information about habitual pickpockets and thieves, said DGP Y B Khurania on Monday.
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However, to respect human rights regulations, these images will not be displayed on railway platforms or other public spaces, police sources said.
Police authorities plan to use announcement systems to encourage passengers to visit RPF and GRP stations to familiarise themselves with known criminals' appearances. "The public will be asked to alert police upon spotting any of these suspects," Khurania said.
Also, police plan to create a digital database containing photographs of more than 500 thieves and snatchers.
This database will be connected to AI-powered cameras, enabling instant notifications when suspects are detected on station premises.
"We are particularly focusing on repeat offenders who target pilgrims and tourists during the festival season. We are implementing a multi-layered approach to security," Khurania said after a meeting with senior RPF officials here.
The DGP advised the railway police to step up their vigilance and take women-safety measures inside train compartments. "We have also advised them to remain extremely watchful during movement of trains in Maoist-affected regions," said Khurania.
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