Nagpur: CCTV cameras installed across Nagpur Metro stations and premises are increasingly emerging as a key crime-detection and passenger assistance tool, helping police trace suspects, recover valuables and crack theft cases.In a recent case, jewellery worth nearly ₹40 lakh stolen from a shop in the MIDC area was traced with technical assistance from the Security Control team of Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha Metro). SG Ravi Dhande, attached to Maha Metro’s Security Control Centre, coordinated with MIDC police and provided CCTV-based technical inputs that helped investigators track the accused.Apart from assisting police investigations, the Metro’s surveillance network has also helped passengers recover valuables lost or misplaced during travel.On Feb 13, a passenger at Nagpur Railway Station Metro premises allegedly picked up another commuter’s purse and left the station. After analysing CCTV footage, Metro officials tracked the suspect’s movement till Bansi Nagar Metro Station. A subsequent search operation led to the recovery of the purse containing ₹15,500, which was returned to the owner.In another incident on Feb 3, a woman passenger misplaced gold bangles worth ₹3.8 lakh at Sitabuldi Metro Station. CCTV footage helped officials identify a regular commuter who had picked up the ornaments. After being contacted, the commuter admitted to possessing the bangles and returned them.Officials said CCTV footage has repeatedly helped trace valuables left behind at ticket counters, platforms, parking areas, and inside Metro coaches. In several instances, passengers who unknowingly carried away belongings belonging to others were identified and traced through the surveillance system.The Metro’s CCTV network has also assisted in tracing stolen vehicles from station parking areas and identifying suspects involved in offences committed within and outside Metro premises. Officials added that surveillance footage has also helped reunite children separated from their families at stations.
