Gujarat Police Deploy High-Tech Underwater Robots to Track Crime Evidence

Ahmedabad | Gujarat —  In a major technological leap, the Gujarat Police has armed itself with two Deep Trekker Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), worth ₹2.80 crore, to track, recover, and secure evidence from as deep as 200 meters underwater. These advanced machines are set to revolutionise crime investigation, ensuring that even murky waters won’t conceal a criminal’s trail.

“Even if criminals throw weapons or evidence into rivers or lakes, we will find them,” said a senior Gujarat Police official. “The Deep Trekker’s precision means no clue is out of reach.”

A Pilot Project to Modernise Crime Investigation

Purchased as part of a pilot project, one unit has been deployed in Vadodara and the other in Rajkot. Each vehicle, costing ₹1.40 crore, is designed for search, evidence recovery, tracking, and surveillance in underwater conditions where divers or traditional methods fail.

These portable ROVs are remotely operated and equipped with high-definition cameras, grabber arms, and powerful navigation systems. They are capable of performing in poor visibility, high current, and deep-water conditions — making them a vital asset in crime scenes involving water bodies.

Specialised Training for Officers

To operate these machines, Gujarat Police officers and staff underwent three days of specialised training, focusing on manoeuvring, camera operations, and evidence handling. The aim is to ensure that the technology is used to its full potential, especially in critical criminal investigations.

Proven Success at Gambhira Bridge Accident

The Deep Trekker’s effectiveness was recently demonstrated in the Gambhira Bridge accident near Padra in Vadodara district. Despite extremely murky water, the ROV successfully located a submerged motorcycle and critical parts connected to the case.

“In traditional methods, recovery would have taken days and required divers to work in risky conditions. The Deep Trekker reduced the time, improved safety, and preserved evidence integrity,” said a police diver involved in the operation.

A Message to Criminals

Police officials believe this technological upgrade will serve as a deterrent for criminals who previously relied on dumping evidence in rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. “No matter the trick, technology is catching up faster than the crime,” said an officer from Rajkot police.

Strengthening Law Enforcement with Technology

The introduction of these underwater robots marks another milestone in Gujarat’s effort to build a high-tech policing infrastructure. Under the guidance of the state’s leadership, the police force has been steadily investing in advanced surveillance, forensic, and crime detection tools.