Nagpur: In a major step towards modernising crime investigation, Maharashtra’s first pilot project using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in policing—launched by the Nagpur Rural Police—has received a financial boost of approximately ₹2 crore from the state Home Department. The initiative, powered by the AI-based platform ‘MahaCrimeOS’, has already assisted in solving 287 cases, prompting plans for statewide expansion.
The AI-driven system is being used to tackle complex and sensitive cases such as narcotics-related crimes, financial frauds, cybercrimes, and sexual offences, where investigations are often intricate and time-consuming. Recognising the need for advanced technological support, the Maharashtra Home Department initiated this pilot to evaluate whether AI could streamline and strengthen investigative processes.
The platform is built on Microsoft’s foundational ‘CrimeOS’ AI operating system, which has been further customised for Maharashtra by the state-run संस्था ‘MARVEL’. The upgraded version—‘MahaCrimeOS’—has been adapted to function in Marathi and aligned with Maharashtra Police’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and relevant Bombay High Court guidelines.
Once an FIR is registered on the platform, the AI system guides investigating officers step-by-step through the probe, ensuring procedural accuracy. It also assists in drafting official correspondence using an integrated copilot feature, significantly simplifying documentation and improving efficiency.
So far, 133 police officers from Nagpur Rural Police have been trained to use the platform. The project has already earned recognition under the Chief Minister’s 100-day and 150-day e-governance initiatives.
The newly sanctioned ₹2 crore fund will be utilised for procurement of the AI operating system and strengthening the platform further through integration with a comprehensive legal database.
Highlighting its effectiveness, Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police and MARVEL CEO Harssh Poddar stated that the platform has significantly aided investigations. In one notable case, police successfully tracked and arrested a cyber fraud accused from Kolkata. In another instance, authorities managed to recover nearly ₹5 lakh lost by a retired employee after identifying the accused.
Officials believe that with continued development, AI-based tools like MahaCrimeOS could lead to large-scale automation in criminal investigations across Maharashtra, setting a benchmark for tech-driven policing in India.
