SR Nagar Police Unveil New App to Track Missing Persons and Criminals

HYDERABAD: In a bid to tackle the rising number of missing and absconding cases, SR Nagar police have pioneered the use of technology that not only helps locate them but also aids in apprehending absconding criminals. SR Nagar inspector Ram Prasad stated that the idea was originally proposed by former inspector Saidulu.

In the past two months, the app has led to tracking five missing persons and capturing three chain snatchers.

The app requires uploading the identities and details of every hosteller and tenant. Only the station house officer is empowered to access the details.

App developer Ravi Kiran said, "The main purpose is to aid the police in tracking offenders, locating missing individuals and ensuring public safety. It comprises two parts — TS Smart Asset, used for property management by hostels, hotels and house owners, and TS Smart Hack, accessible only by police through OTP for data security.”

There are over 800 hostels in SR Nagar alone, and search to find missing persons are a frequent occurrence. This necessity prompted the development of this app, Kiran said.

“Recently, the app played a vital role in locating a person who attempted suicide; his parents had called the police immediately for help. In another incident, it helped us find an absconding person, who was later caught in a hostel,” Ram Prasad said.

Additionally, the app ensures safety of women coming from different districts.

If implemented statewide, this app has the potential to significantly reduce crime rates and enable police to efficiently apprehend wanted criminals. It stands as a crucial tool in enhancing public safety and law enforcement efforts, the inspector said.

Cyber expert Praveen Tangella said, "This can be implemented in vehicles so as to secure movable assets, as there are many cases where drivers have fled with the vehicles.”