Gujarat Police Introduces Advanced Underwater Tracker for Evidence Recovery

Investing approximately ₹2.8 crores in cutting-edge technology, the Gujarat Police have strengthened their underwater investigative capabilities through the introduction of the Deep Tracker, a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) designed for deep-water evidence recovery. This advanced device is capable of diving up to 200 meters and lifting objects weighing up to 100 kilograms, making it invaluable for law enforcement agencies operating in Gujarat’s extensive 2,340 km coastline and inland water bodies.

What You Need Before You Start Using the Deep Tracker

Before deploying the Deep Tracker in underwater search operations, the Gujarat Police ensure several prerequisites are met. These include:

• Authorization from District Police Headquarters: Operations involving the Deep Tracker require formal approval from the local Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), depending on the district. For example, Vadodara and Rajkot police contingents have designated officers overseeing Deep Tracker deployments.
• Training Certification for Operators: Only certified personnel who have completed a rigorous training program on operating the Deep Tracker’s controls, cameras, and sonar equipment can manage the vehicle.
• Incident Documentation: A detailed incident report or case file justifying underwater search and evidence recovery must be prepared, including coordinates and environmental conditions.
• Safety and Environmental Clearances: Compliance with Gujarat Pollution Control Board guidelines is mandatory to ensure operations do not adversely affect aquatic ecosystems, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Gulf of Khambhat.

Step-by-Step Process for Operating the Deep Tracker

1. Case Assessment and Approval: The investigating officer submits a request with evidence location details to the district police command.
2. Equipment Preparation: Operators perform pre-dive checks on the Deep Tracker’s components, including the 4K high-definition camera, 2000-lumen lights, sonar system, and the 360-degree rotating grabber arm.
3. Deployment at Site: The ROV is launched from a suitable platform such as a police boat or bridge, for instance, the Gambiri Bridge site in Vadodara where it was recently used successfully.
4. Underwater Navigation and Search: Using multi-beam sonar technology, operators scan submerged areas precisely, even in turbid waters common in Gujarat’s rivers and reservoirs.
5. Evidence Identification and Retrieval: Once objects are located, the grabber arm carefully lifts and secures items up to 100 kilograms, ensuring minimal disturbance.
6. Post-Operation Documentation: Video footage and sonar data are logged and attached to the case file. Retrieved evidence is catalogued and sent to forensic labs for further analysis.

Important Details on Fees, Timeline, and Validity

The procurement of the Deep Tracker vehicles was funded by the Gujarat Home Department under a pilot project costing ₹2.8 crores, which included two units—one stationed at Vadodara and one in Rajkot. The operating cost per mission can vary depending on duration, but the Gujarat Police absorb this as part of their standard operational budget.

Each deployment typically requires 2-3 days for coordination, operation, and recovery, although urgent cases may expedite this timeline. Training programs for operators span 10-15 days, conducted at the Gujarat Police Academy in Gandhinagar.

The technology and equipment are maintained regularly, with operational certifications renewed annually to ensure safety and performance. The ROV’s electronics and mechanical parts are designed for at least 5 years of service under standard conditions.

Common Questions Answered About the Deep Tracker

• Can the Deep Tracker operate in saltwater and freshwater? Yes, it is designed for versatile use in both marine environments along Gujarat’s coast, such as near Porbandar, and inland freshwater bodies like the Narmada River.
• Is the device effective in murky water conditions? The Deep Tracker’s multi-beam sonar and powerful lighting allow it to operate effectively even in low-visibility conditions, as demonstrated in the recent Vadodara operation under the Gambiri Bridge.
• Who is trained to operate the Deep Tracker? Only Gujarat Police personnel who have undergone specialized training at the Gujarat Police Academy are permitted to operate the device, ensuring safety and accuracy.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Deep Tracker

• Ensure thorough pre-dive equipment checks: Neglecting these can lead to malfunctions underwater, risking evidence loss.
• Maintain clear communication: Operators must stay in constant contact with surface teams to coordinate retrieval and avoid hazards.
• Avoid rushing deployment: Proper case assessment and permissions prevent legal complications and ensure the operation’s legitimacy.
• Preserve environmental integrity: Be mindful of sensitive aquatic habitats to avoid regulatory penalties and ecological harm.

The adoption of the Deep Tracker aligns with Gujarat Police’s broader modernization efforts, similar to recent initiatives such as the Ahmedabad Traffic Police’s QR Code Fine Collection System and enhanced law enforcement operations like the gamblers’ arrest in Vadgam’s Manpura Village. These steps collectively demonstrate the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for public safety and efficient policing.

Official Resources: For more information on underwater evidence recovery operations or to report relevant cases, contact the Gujarat Home Department helpline at 079-2325 2325 or visit the official website at https://home.gujarat.gov.in. District police offices in Vadodara and Rajkot also provide localized support for Deep Tracker deployments.