17 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Khanna Police have successfully deployed a facial recognition system during a security operation, marking what officials describe as the first use of the technology in Punjab for identifying suspects and wanted criminals.
Facial Recognition System Deployed at Isru
The system was put to the test during security arrangements for a state-level function at Isru village, held in memory of freedom fighter Shaheed Karnail Singh.
Police operated the system from a high-tech van equipped with live scanning capabilities, while CCTV cameras were installed around the venue.
How the Technology Works
Police upload a photograph and relevant details of a wanted person into the system. It generates a 512-dimensional facial embedding and continuously scans faces captured through connected CCTV cameras and live feeds.
When a potential match is detected, the system generates an alert showing the person’s name, match percentage, location, and the date and time of detection. Alerts are automatically recorded for further verification.
System Helps Spot Snatcher
During the trial, the facial recognition system reportedly alerted police to the presence of a snatcher near the Isru event venue.
Police officers acted on the alert and detained the suspect, demonstrating the potential of the technology for real-time surveillance and identification.
Technology Developed In-House
The system was developed by the cyber and technical wing of Khanna Police, under the initiative of Khanna SSP Dr Darpan Ahluwalia.
The project was developed along the lines of facial-recognition systems used by the Delhi Police for identifying history-sheeters and wanted criminals.
Could Be Expanded Across Punjab
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has reportedly taken note of the initiative and asked for a presentation before the Technical Services Wing of the Punjab Police.
If the system is found technically viable, authorities could consider deploying it more widely across the state.