Second J&K arrest through facial recognition tech; terror suspect held at Anantnag checkpoint

SRINAGAR: J&K police announced Sunday their second arrest through Facial Recognition System (FRS) since the AI-based technology was installed two months ago in some areas, picking up the terror suspect as he passed a checkpoint in Anantnag. The previous such breakthrough came last month.

Muneeb Mushtaq Sheikh of Pulwama’s Pampore was booked in cases under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosive Substances Act. He was spotted at Ganishbal in Anantnag, part of south Kashmir where FRS is being used along with some pockets in central Kashmir. Upon detection, Muneeb was immediately taken into custody and shifted to Pahalgam police station for further verification, the police said in a statement.

J&K police underlined the significance of FRS, vowing to continue leveraging modern tools to combat terror and ensure public safety. “The swift identification and apprehension of the suspect highlights the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technologies, including FRS, in enhancing security and maintaining law and order,” the police said.

On June 19, an alleged “overground worker (OGW)” was held in Anantnag district, the first using FRS. The system flagged the suspect as he passed a checkpoint in the district’s Langanbal area. OGWs are those who provide shelter and logistical support to terrorists.

J&K authorities have rolled out FRS as part of a wider security overhaul. The system is equipped with real-time alert capabilities for security forces once a suspect appears within the surveillance camera’s range.