Chennai Police Ramps Up Tech for IPL Security, Nabs Snatchers, Tracks Punters at Chepauk

The Greater Chennai Police has stepped up its game this IPL season, combining artificial intelligence, surveillance cameras, and smart crowd-monitoring strategies to ensure public safety at MA Chidambaram Stadium, popularly known as Chepauk. During the high-profile CSK vs RCB match on March 28, which drew a crowd of over 35,000, their quick tech-backed response led to the recovery of 84 stolen phones — a major win for the force.

The police's AI-powered surveillance system, dubbed Chennai Singam, played a crucial role. It uses face recognition technology, motion tracking, and preset alerts to scan through massive crowds for suspicious behavior. When a stolen phone alert was received via QR code posted at the stadium, the team sprang into action. “We located the thief disguised as a fan in CSK gear and traced his links to a wider gang. All were nabbed within days in Vellore,” said Dr. Vijayakumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (East).

Chennai Singam app streams real-time visuals to a control room where 20 officers monitor every movement through CCTV feeds.

Thanks to a request by the police, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association added 120 new CCTV cameras to the stadium's existing 250. Real-time video feeds from these cameras are monitored by a control room team stationed in the stadium’s E-Stand, allowing them to catch everything from petty thefts to court-siding punters — individuals who bet based on the delay between live action and broadcast.

One key innovation is the AI's ability to flag unusual behavior. “If someone isn’t enjoying the game or interacts oddly with those around them, they become a person of interest,” said Vijayakumar. The system can even detect people holding banners, identify those in black clothes, or those who match profiles from the police’s offender database — which includes individuals with criminal records or those under watch.

In a span of days, three gangs, all operating between Chennai, Bengaluru, and Tirupati, were caught. The suspects, hailing from Jharkhand, had bought tickets from the black market — a trail now under investigation.

The AI system also keeps an eye on courtsiding suspects — gamblers who exploit live-feed delays to place quick bets. Collaborating with the BCCI’s anti-corruption unit, the police are actively pursuing leads to curb this activity.

Since this intensified surveillance effort began post the CSK-RCB match, the police report zero cases of phone or property theft during games.

Through a smart blend of artificial intelligence and human vigilance, the Chennai Police has turned Chepauk into one of the safest IPL venues this season — setting a strong example of tech-enabled public policing.