New Delhi, June 22 (APAC Media): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched ‘Abhigyan’, a mobile application designed to strengthen field-level policing by providing law enforcement agencies with instant access to a nationwide fingerprint database.
Developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the application is linked to the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), a centralised database containing fingerprint records of more than 1.3 crore accused persons, convicts and prison inmates.
The new platform allows police personnel to use portable fingerprint scanners connected to smartphones to verify an individual’s identity and check criminal records in real time while operating in the field.
According to the NCRB, the application enables officers to search the national fingerprint database from any location using certified scanners, making investigations and routine policing more efficient.
During a demonstration, officials showcased the app’s ability to match fingerprints with records stored in the NAFIS database within approximately 35 seconds.
The system can be used during routine inspections, including vehicle checks, to identify individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities. It also provides instant access to criminal histories, helping police personnel assess potential risks and improve operational safety.
Speaking on the occasion, Amit Shah said the application would significantly enhance ground-level policing by bringing a vast criminal database directly to officers’ smartphones.
He noted that the app is secured through two-factor authentication and includes features such as rapid identification capabilities, portable deployment and access to crores of criminal records.
The Home Minister said India’s criminal databases currently contain nearly 1.29 crore fingerprint records, details of around 9.91 lakh narcotics offenders, information related to more than 3.65 lakh human trafficking cases, and extensive prison records.
However, questions have been raised regarding the legal framework governing the use of such technology. NCRB officials have cited the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, as the legal basis for collecting and verifying biometric data.
The launch of the Abhigyan app marks another step in the government’s efforts to integrate technology into policing and criminal investigation while expanding the use of national crime databases.
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