In a remarkable fusion of technology and law enforcement, the Kerala Police recently solved a 19-year-old triple murder case using artificial intelligence (AI). This breakthrough not only brought long-awaited justice but also highlighted the transformative potential of AI in criminal investigations.
On February 10, 2006, in Anchal, Kerala, 23-year-old Ranjini and her 17-day-old twin daughters were found brutally murdered in their home. The primary suspects were identified as Divil Kumar and Rajesh, both army personnel stationed in Pathankot. Despite initial leads, the duo evaded capture, leading to a prolonged investigation that eventually went cold.
In 2023, the Technical Intelligence Wing of the Kerala Police revisited the case with a novel approach. They utilized AI to age-progress old photographs of the suspects, generating images of how they might look nearly two decades later. These AI-generated images were then cross-referenced with photos on social media platforms. A significant breakthrough occurred when an AI-generated image closely matched a wedding photograph on Facebook, leading investigators to Puducherry.
Upon further investigation, authorities discovered that both suspects had assumed new identities and established lives in Puducherry. Divil Kumar was living as “Vishnu,” and Rajesh had taken the name “Praveen.” Both were working as interior designers and had married local women. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested them on January 4, 2025, bringing an end to their 19 years on the run.
This case underscores the profound impact of AI on modern policing. By leveraging AI-driven facial recognition and age progression technologies, law enforcement agencies can breathe new life into cold cases, offering hope for justice even after many years. However, it also raises important discussions about privacy, ethical considerations, and the need for stringent guidelines to govern the use of such technologies in criminal investigations.
The successful resolution of this case not only provides closure to the victim’s family but also serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of law enforcement in the digital age.