COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore city police took preventive action against 44 people facing criminal cases who were identified using a facial recognition software (FRS) app in an intensive operation at night from Aug 24 to Aug 31. FIRs were filed against 44 suspects, and their fingerprints were recorded as a preventive measure.Police registered 1,146 drunk driving cases during this period and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each drunk driver, amounting to a total collection of Rs 1.14 crore.According to a senior police officer, police on night rounds and vehicle checks have been provided with the FRS apps for background checks on those who are out during late night hours. “This helped us find 129 people with previous cases which include simple hurt cases or accident cases. Of these people, 44 people who have criminal cases and are notorious rowdies were found. Preventive action was taken against them.”During the seven-day operation (6am on Aug 24 to 6am on Aug 31), police screened 8,761 individuals. In the South Zone, 4,348 people and in the North Zone, 4,413 people were screened using FRS. The action was taken to curb criminal activities during late night hours and to maintain law and order.Fingerprints were collected from 129 suspects for background checks. Senior officials stated that legal action would follow if pending cases or warrants were uncovered, and outer-district police would be alerted if wanted fugitives were located in the city.Police confirmed that surprise checks would continue to maintain public safety and curb violations.
