Hyderabad RPF Uses Drone Surveillance to Arrest Mobile Theft Suspect

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) Hyderabad Division successfully apprehended a suspect involved in mobile phone theft at Malakpet railway station using advanced drone technology. This operation, part of the 'Pink Patrol' initiative, combined aerial surveillance with ground-based efforts by the all-women SHAKTI team. Acting on intelligence from an RPF Mitra, personnel observed the suspect behaving suspiciously among passengers. Drone units provided real-time tracking and confirmed his attempts to target commuters, leading to his interception before he could exit the station. Authorities recovered five stolen smartphones, including brands like Realme, Oppo, and Xiaomi, valued at approximately ₹64,480. The suspect was handed over to the Government Railway Police for legal proceedings. The drones employed feature thermal imaging, night vision, and HD video transmission, significantly enhancing security monitoring. This initiative also integrates the 'Shakti Saathi' WhatsApp platform, allowing women commuters to report harassment or security concerns directly. Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Debashmita C. Banerjee highlighted that such technology-driven policing strengthens visible security and boosts passenger confidence, particularly among women, amidst ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized entries and trespassing on suburban railway sections.