RPF uses drone surveillance to catch mobile theft suspect

In a breakthrough highlighting technology-driven policing, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Hyderabad Division, apprehended a suspected theft offender during a special operation at Malakpet railway station on Wednesday using its drone-led ‘Pink Patrol’.

Acting on human intelligence received through an RPF Mitra, teams launched a coordinated operation using aerial drone surveillance and ground-based decoys along the MMTS section. The suspect was observed moving suspiciously among passengers and repeatedly attempting to position himself close to commuters in a manner indicative of mobile phone theft.

The behaviour was first noticed by women RPF personnel from the SHAKTI team on the ground, who alerted the drone unit. Continuous aerial monitoring confirmed the suspect’s movement patterns and attempts to target passengers. Based on real-time tracking and coordinated surveillance, the individual was intercepted and apprehended by the Pink Patrol team before he could leave the station premises.

RPF personnel recovered five suspected stolen mobile phones worth approximately ₹64,480 — including Realme, Oppo, Poco, Xiaomi and OnePlus devices — all without SIM cards. The suspect, along with the recovered property, was handed over to GRP/Kacheguda for further legal action.

The drones used under Pink Patrol are equipped with thermal imaging, night vision, HD video transmission and long-range zoom, significantly enhancing surveillance and situational awareness across suburban railway sections.

The initiative integrates drone surveillance with all-women SHAKTI teams and the ‘Shakti Saathi’ WhatsApp platform, enabling women commuters to directly contact RPF for assistance in case of harassment or security concerns.

The RPF Hyderabad division has registered 308 cases of unauthorised entry into ladies’ coaches and 135 against trespassers and loiterers. The initiative has strengthened visible policing and boosted confidence among women passengers, said Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Debashmita C. Banerjee. Passengers can call Railway Helpline 139 for emergencies.