Facial recognition tech nets suspected OGW in Anantnag

Srinagar, Jun 19: In a boost to counter-terrorism efforts and ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025, Anantnag Police on Wednesday apprehended a suspected Over Ground Worker (OGW) at Langanbal Naka using a newly installed Facial Recognition System (FRS).

This marks the first successful identification using facial recognition technology in South Kashmir since its deployment earlier this year.

According to police officials, the individual—a resident of Seer Hamdan—was flagged by the FRS as he passed through the Langanbal checkpoint. He was immediately taken into custody, and an investigation is now underway. “This is a major step in strengthening our preventive security mechanisms,” said a senior police officer posted in Anantnag. “The system identified him in real-time. Once he reached the checkpoint, the alert was triggered, and our team acted swiftly.”

The detained individual is believed to be a former OGW.  “This means details of all known OGWs have been fed into the Facial Recognition System,” the officer added. “The system cross-checks every individual passing through these high-security zones against the existing criminal and security databases.”

The use of facial recognition is part of a broader technological upgrade across South Kashmir, particularly along key security points in sensitive districts like Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama. This move comes in the backdrop of enhanced security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin later this month.

The Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of Hindu pilgrims annually to the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, has historically been on high alert due to security threats. This year, police have ramped up surveillance and intelligence-driven mechanisms to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.

“Our top priority remains the safety and security of pilgrims and locals during Amarnath Yatra 2025,” said the officer. “Facial recognition tools have been deployed strategically at major checkpoints including Langanbal, which serves as a key point along the yatra route.”

In addition to facial recognition, drone surveillance, RFID tracking for pilgrims, AI-based crowd management, and real-time communication networks are being used to monitor potential threats.

Police officials confirmed that this is the first time the facial recognition system has led to the on-ground identification and apprehension of a suspect in South Kashmir. The incident is being viewed as a successful proof-of-concept for future law enforcement and counter-insurgency operations.

The arrested individual is currently being questioned to ascertain the extent of his recent involvement with militant outfits and any ongoing plans he may have been part of. Officials hinted that more arrests may follow based on the leads being developed. Sources within the security establishment say this breakthrough has provided “actionable intelligence” that could help disrupt potential sleeper cells and support networks operating quietly in the region.