KATHMANDU: Kathmandu District Police Range has claimed significant progress in technology-driven policing over the past fiscal year, saying the use of AI cameras, AI drones, and digital services has strengthened crime investigation, cybercrime response, and public service delivery.

Speaking at a press conference reviewing the fiscal year 2025/26 (2082/83 BS), Superintendent of Police Pawan Bhattarai said AI-powered cameras helped identify and arrest 59 suspects, while AI drones were also deployed for law enforcement operations during the year.

Police said cybercrime remains one of the fastest-growing challenges, with investigations showing that Rs 153.39 million was lost to online fraud between Shrawan 2082 and Asar 2083. During the period, 2,325 cyber fraud cases were registered, with police responding immediately to investigate the incidents.

Bhattarai said the office also expanded digital policing by contacting service seekers more than 30,600 times via telephone for case follow-ups and sending 1,700 SMS notifications to update complainants on the progress of their cases.

The police also introduced a video conferencing system for judicial procedures, enabling 2,276 detainees and accused persons to attend remand hearings and provide statements remotely in coordination with district courts and district administration offices.

During the year, Kathmandu Police seized 185 illegal weapons, arrested 53 people on weapons-related charges, and recaptured 175 convicted prisoners and 94 detainees who had absconded from various correctional facilities.

Bhattarai also said police have restored 97 percent of the police offices damaged during the Gen Z protests, with most facilities now back in operation.