AI police investigation Mumbai firing has led investigators to the doorstep of Bollywood actor Kamaal R Khan, who is now in custody after a shooting incident at an Andheri housing society. Two bullets lodged in a cupboard and a wall inside the Nalanda Housing Society on January 18 were traced back to Khan’s licensed 7.65mm Mauser pistol, according to the Oshiwara police.
Background/Context
The incident unfolded on a quiet evening in Lokhandwala, when residents of the Nalanda Housing Society reported hearing gunfire from a nearby bungalow. The bungalow, owned by actor Kamaal R Khan, sits roughly 300 metres from the flats where the bullets were found. Despite the proximity, CCTV footage from the society’s security cameras failed to capture any intruder, and the building’s guards reported no audible shots. The lack of visual or auditory evidence left the case perplexing, prompting police to turn to advanced forensic technology.
India’s police forces have increasingly adopted artificial intelligence (AI) tools to solve complex crimes. In 2025, Mumbai police used AI to enhance blurred CCTV footage in a jewellery theft case, arresting the suspect within 12 hours. The current case marks a significant milestone, showcasing how AI can reconstruct crime scenes and link ballistic evidence to a suspect with unprecedented precision.
Key Developments
1. Ballistic Analysis and AI Mapping
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts extracted ballistic fingerprints from the two recovered bullets. Using AI-powered trajectory modeling, they mapped the bullets’ paths from the point of origin to the impact sites. The model incorporated GPS data, sound propagation algorithms, and environmental variables such as wind speed and building layout. The results pinpointed a firing range of 250–300 metres, aligning perfectly with the distance between Khan’s bungalow and the Nalanda flats.
2. Weapon Identification
The FSL team confirmed that the bullets were fired from a 7.65mm Mauser pistol, the same model registered to Khan. The pistol’s serial number matched the one on record, and the ammunition type corresponded to the 21 live rounds seized from Khan’s possession. Seven rounds were missing from the original 30-round magazine, raising questions about their whereabouts.
3. Eyewitness Corroboration
An eyewitness from the society reported hearing gunfire emanating from Khan’s bungalow on the night of the incident. Police cross-referenced this testimony with the AI-generated firing timeline, finding a strong correlation. The AI system also analyzed acoustic signatures captured by nearby street microphones, further corroborating the source of the shots.
4. Arrest and Custody
Oshiwara police arrested Khan on Saturday, 25 January, and placed him in custody pending further investigation. The actor’s lawyer, Nagesh Mishra, stated that Khan had not admitted to any wrongdoing and claimed the pistol was intended for self‑defence. Khan’s licence, originally issued in 2004 in Uttar Pradesh, was later registered with Delhi and Mumbai police. Authorities are considering revoking the licence pending the outcome of the case.
5. Public Safety Measures
In response to the incident, the Mumbai Police Commissioner announced a citywide review of firearm licensing procedures and increased patrols in high‑density residential areas. The police also plan to deploy AI‑driven surveillance in key hotspots to preempt future incidents.
Impact Analysis
The use of AI in this investigation has far‑reaching implications for law enforcement, residents, and the broader public. For residents of high‑density housing societies, the incident underscores the importance of robust security measures and the potential for technology to enhance safety. The fact that bullets travelled 300 metres without being detected by CCTV or guards highlights gaps in traditional surveillance systems.
For the legal and regulatory community, the case raises questions about firearm licensing, ownership, and accountability. The discovery that Khan’s pistol was registered across multiple jurisdictions points to the need for tighter inter‑agency data sharing. The potential revocation of his licence may set a precedent for how authorities handle licensed firearms that are used in criminal activities.
From a technological standpoint, the success of AI in reconstructing the crime scene demonstrates its value in forensic investigations. It also signals a shift toward data‑driven policing, where algorithms can process vast amounts of evidence faster than human analysts. This could lead to quicker resolutions in future cases, reducing the burden on courts and the public.
Expert Insights/Tips
Dr. Anil Gupta, a forensic technology specialist, explains, “AI allows us to simulate bullet trajectories in a virtual environment, accounting for variables that are impossible to measure manually. This precision is crucial when CCTV footage is inconclusive.”
For residents and students living in urban areas, experts recommend the following practical steps:
- Install Independent Security Cameras: Ensure that cameras cover all entry points and are connected to a central monitoring system.
- Use Acoustic Sensors: Deploy microphones that can detect gunshots and alert authorities in real time.
- Maintain Firearm Records: If you own a licensed firearm, keep detailed logs of usage, maintenance, and ammunition counts.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Promptly inform local police of any unusual sounds or movements, especially in residential complexes.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from local law enforcement on new safety protocols and technology deployments.
Students studying criminal justice or forensic science can gain hands‑on experience by participating in workshops that simulate AI‑driven ballistic analysis. Many universities now offer courses that integrate machine learning with traditional forensic methods.
Looking Ahead
The Khan case is likely to influence policy reforms in several areas:
- Firearm Licensing: The government may introduce stricter verification processes, including biometric checks and real‑time data sharing between state and central agencies.
- AI Integration: Police departments across India are expected to adopt AI tools for crime scene reconstruction, evidence analysis, and predictive policing.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Authorities may launch initiatives to educate citizens about the risks of firearms and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.
- Legal Framework: Courts may consider AI-generated evidence as admissible, provided it meets rigorous validation standards.
As AI becomes more entrenched in investigative workflows, the balance between privacy and public safety will remain a critical debate. Policymakers must ensure that the deployment of surveillance technologies respects civil liberties while enhancing security.
Reach out to us for personalized consultation based on your specific requirements.
