Smartwatch GPS leads Tamil Nadu police to train robbery suspect after 17 years

A smartwatch equipped with GPS tracking capabilities proved instrumental in solving a high-value gold heist aboard a train in Tamil Nadu, enabling law enforcement to apprehend a seasoned criminal who had resumed criminal activity after an absence of 17 years.

The theft involved three kilograms of gold, which was stolen from a train compartment. Investigators activated the GPS function on a smartwatch left at or near the crime scene, which successfully pinpointed the location of the primary suspect, identified as Amarnath Jaiswal. The technological breakthrough significantly expedited the investigation and narrowed the search radius for police units deployed across the region.

Amarnath Jaiswal, known to authorities for his previous involvement in train robberies, had maintained a low profile for nearly two decades before apparently returning to criminal pursuits. Police subsequently apprehended Jaiswal along with a second suspect linked to the theft. The arrests mark a notable success for Tamil Nadu law enforcement in leveraging modern technology to combat organized transit crime, a persistent challenge on Indian railway networks.

The case underscores the increasing importance of digital forensics and GPS-enabled devices in criminal investigations across South Asia. Authorities have intensified focus on train robbery syndicates operating in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses.