Chennai Experts Advocate AI Tools to Trace Over 5,000 Missing Persons in Tamil Nadu

Cybersecurity experts in Chennai are advocating for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to trace missing persons more quickly, as thousands remain untraced in Tamil Nadu. Researchers highlighted how AI can overcome the manpower constraints currently faced by police investigators, especially during the critical first 24 to 48 hours of a disappearance.

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 4,24,235 people reported missing across India remain untraced, including 2,64,934 women and 13 transgender persons. In Tamil Nadu alone, 5,524 missing persons are yet to be located.

G. Deepak Raj Rao, a professor at the National Forensic Sciences University in Chennai, stated that AI systems can process information at a scale and speed that humans cannot match. While conventional investigations rely on manual surveillance monitoring, AI systems can analyze thousands of hours of CCTV footage in real-time to detect movement patterns and generate alerts when a missing person's identity is matched.

Professor Rao emphasized that the first 24 to 48 hours are critical, especially for missing children. In remote or under-resourced areas where police are overstretched, AI-assisted tools can produce results within minutes, whereas conventional methods may take several days.

The technology utilizes modern facial recognition systems to identify individuals across CCTV networks in public places like shopping malls, bus terminals, railway stations, and airports. AI can also flag partial images of missing persons on social media, news reports, and other public content.

Additionally, AI can scan social media platforms for digital footprints, last-known locations, and account activity to map relationship networks and identify signs of emotional distress.

Senthil Kumar Ilango, a researcher studying AI applications in investigations, noted that police face challenges covering vast areas. He suggested AI could analyze terrain, weather, and behavioral patterns to prioritize search areas. He also highlighted the need for an AI-powered integration platform to connect data across different districts and states, such as matching unidentified hospital patients with missing-person records.

Southern Railway officials stated that facial recognition cameras and AI-assisted surveillance tools are expected to be deployed at railway stations to help identify missing persons and monitor individuals with criminal antecedents.