Gujarat Police Turns to AI in Cybercrime Fight

GANDHINAGAR: As cybercrime rapidly evolves into a threat that could outpace traditional offences, Gujarat Police is turning to young innovators and artificial intelligence to strengthen its digital defence. The state’s KANAD S.H.I.E.L.D. Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 has emerged as a platform to develop technology-driven solutions for law enforcement.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who chaired the national-level hackathon organised by Ahmedabad Cyber Crime at KCG Campus (i-Hub Gujarat), said the initiative was about much more than competition.

“This hackathon is not just a competition, but a key initiative that gives a new direction to the Gujarat Police in the fight against cybercrime,” Sanghavi said.

He warned that cybercrime could become an increasingly dominant challenge over the next decade, requiring sustained cooperation between the government, police, technology experts and innovators.

“Over the next 10 years, cybercrime is likely to increase compared to traditional crime. This is no longer an issue limited to Gujarat but has become a global challenge,” he said.

A key focus of the hackathon is the use of AI in policing. Sanghavi announced a ₹51 lakh challenge to develop an AI-based system capable of integrating Gujarat’s CCTV network and automatically analysing visual footage.

“At present, we receive visual footage through CCTV cameras, but there is a need to introduce an AI-based automated software system,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed that the hackathon could open doors for startups beyond prize money. Winning teams and young innovators could get an opportunity to work directly with the Gujarat government on future technology projects.

“This project is not merely about winning prize money. Active consideration is also underway to provide the winning youth and their start-ups with an opportunity to work directly with the State Government,” Sanghavi said.

The hackathon invites youth, startups and technology innovators from across India to showcase software solutions addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges.

Sanghavi urged Gujarat’s tech-savvy youth to use innovation and technology to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Gujarat.

State Police Chief G.S. Malik, senior government officials, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, cyber experts, i-Hub representatives and IT professionals attended the event.