OGW detected by facial recognition system detained in Anantnag

Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said it has detained an over-ground worker (OGW) detected by facial recognition system (FRS) installed recently in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. This is the first such detention in the Valley which has been done by using Facial Recognition System.

A statement by Anantnag Police said in a significant development particularly ahead of the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, the facial recognition system deployed by the Anantnag District Police at Langanbal checkpoint detected an over-ground worker on Thursday evening.

Police said the individual, a resident of Seer Hamdan, with a prior FIR registered in 2005, was working as a carpenter.

“He was subsequently handed over to the Pahalgam police station for further legal action,” police said.

The statement said this swift interception highlights the impact of technology-driven policing and sends a clear deterrent message to miscreants as yatra approaches.

“Anyone attempting to disrupt public order—or threaten pilgrims’ safety—will be swiftly identified and dealt with under law,” Anantnag Police said, adding it “remains committed to leveraging modern surveillance tools to safeguard citizens and pilgrims alike.”