AI on the Manhunt: How Delhi Police Used Artificial Intelligence to Track Suspects in the Shalimar Bagh Murder
By: Staff Report | Budding Forensic Expert
Location: Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi
Introduction
In a significant development highlighting the growing role of technology in criminal investigations, Delhi Police have deployed artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate multi-angle facial images of suspects involved in the murder of Rachna Yadav in Shalimar Bagh, northwest Delhi. These AI-generated facial reconstructions, created using CCTV footage and partial visual inputs, are being circulated among law-enforcement agencies and police informants to fast-track suspect identification.
Case Background
Rachna Yadav, aged 44, was shot dead in broad daylight near her residence in Shalimar Bagh. Police officials state that she had been a key witness in the 2023 murder of her husband, a property dealer with a criminal background. Investigators suspect the killing to be a retaliatory attack executed by hired shooters arriving on motorcycles.
Timeline of Events
T0 – Day of the Murder
Rachna Yadav was attacked and fatally shot shortly after returning from a neighbour’s funeral. The assailants fled within seconds.
“The attackers arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire and fled the scene within seconds. Police believe the murder was planned and targeted.”
T+6 to 12 Hours – Initial Investigation
Police teams secured the crime scene, collected ballistic evidence and seized CCTV footage from nearby streets. One motorcycle allegedly used in the crime was recovered near the Rohini helipad.
“One motorcycle has been recovered while the other was reportedly stolen earlier and used for the murder.”
T+18 Hours – AI Deployed
Investigators began using AI tools to reconstruct facial images of the suspects from CCTV stills. The technology allowed the creation of clearer, multi-angle facial visuals to assist identification.
“Delhi Police are using artificial intelligence to generate facial images of the suspects from CCTV footage. These images will be circulated to other agencies and informers to help identify the shooters.”
T+20 Hours – Expanded Intelligence Checks
Jail visitor records were examined to determine whether the murder conspiracy was planned from inside prison, given the victim’s involvement in a previous homicide case.
“Police are also scanning jail visitor records to find out if the conspiracy was hatched from behind bars.”
T+24 Hours – Inter-Agency Circulation
The AI-generated facial images were circulated across police units and intelligence networks. Officials indicated that a cash reward may be announced for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
“The AI-generated images will be shared with other law enforcement agencies and informers to generate leads.”
Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Investigation
The AI tools used in this case are designed to enhance low-resolution CCTV images and reconstruct likely facial features from limited visual data. Police clarified that the technology is being used strictly as an investigative aid and not as standalone evidence.
Forensic and Legal Significance
Experts caution that AI-generated facial reconstructions are probabilistic and must be corroborated with conventional forensic evidence such as ballistics, call detail records, eyewitness accounts and physical traces. The case raises important questions regarding transparency, validation and admissibility of AI-assisted investigative outputs.
Why This Case Matters
- Demonstrates real-time use of AI in an Indian murder investigation
- Highlights convergence of forensic science, artificial intelligence and policing
- Raises policy and ethical questions on accuracy, bias and oversight
- Signals wider adoption of AI-assisted tools by metropolitan police forces
Conclusion
The Shalimar Bagh murder investigation marks a pivotal moment in Indian forensic policing, showcasing how artificial intelligence is transitioning from experimental use to active deployment. While AI-generated facial images may accelerate suspect identification, the case underscores the continued need for forensic rigor, human judgment and legal safeguards in the pursuit of justice.
