View source for Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement

{{Short description|AI system by the Maharashtra Police}}
{{Advert|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox government agency
| agency_name = Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement (MARVEL)
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| formed = 2024
| jurisdiction = [[Maharashtra]]
| headquarters = [[Nagpur]], Maharashtra, India
| budget = ₹23 crore (initial allocation)
| parent_agency = [[Maharashtra Police]]
}}
'''Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement''' ('''MARVEL''') is an artificial intelligence (AI) system implemented by the [[Maharashtra Police]]. It is noted for being the first state-level police AI system in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-18 |title=To fight crime using AI, Maharashtra Police create MARVEL |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/to-fight-crime-using-ai-maharashtra-police-create-marvel-9460472/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Approved in 2024, MARVEL aims to integrate AI technologies into law enforcement to enhance crime-solving capabilities and improve predictive policing.<ref name="toi">{{cite news |title=Maharashtra Cabinet Approves ₹23cr 'MARVEL' AI Project for Police Force |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-cabinet-approves-23cr-marvel-ai-project-for-police-force/articleshow/108554366.cms |access-date=2024-07-18 |work=The Times of India |date=2024-03-17}}</ref>
== History ==
The Maharashtra state cabinet approved the creation of MARVEL in March 2024, just before the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections. The project was allocated an initial budget of ₹23 crore.<ref name="toi" />
== Leadership ==
MARVEL is overseen by officials from the Maharashtra Police and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur. The Superintendent of Police, Nagpur (Rural), Harssh Poddar, serves as the ex-officio Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MARVEL. Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, the Director of IIM Nagpur, acts as an ex-officio director of the company.<ref name="indianexpress">{{cite news |title=To fight crime using AI, Maharashtra Police create MARVEL |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/to-fight-crime-using-ai-maharashtra-police-create-marvel-9460472/lite/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |work=The Indian Express |date=2024-07-18}}</ref><ref name="daijiworld">{{cite news |title=Maharashtra to receive AI support through 'MARVEL' to expeditiously solve crimes |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1205516 |access-date=2024-07-18 |work=Daijiworld |date=2024-07-06}}</ref><ref name="iimnagpur">{{cite web |title=Dr. Bhimaraya Metri – IIM Nagpur CGCS |url=https://www.iimnagpur.ac.in/CoE/CGCS/members/dr-bhimaraya-metri/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=IIM Nagpur |date=2024-07-18}}</ref>
== Structure and Partnerships ==
MARVEL is established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and operates through a partnership between:
* [[Government of Maharashtra]]
* [[Indian Institute of Management Nagpur]]
* Pinaka Technologies Private Limited
The company is registered under the [[Companies Act 2013]] and has its office located at the Indian Institute of Management in Nagpur.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maharashtra to receive AI support through 'MARVEL' to expeditiously solve crimes |url=https://www.mid-day.com/technology/article/maharashtra-to-receive-ai-support-through-marvel-to-expeditiously-solve-crimes-23361135 |access-date=2024-07-18 |work=Mid-day |date=2024-07-06}}</ref>
== Funding ==
The [[Government of Maharashtra]] has committed to providing 100% share capital to MARVEL for the first five years, amounting to ₹4.2 crore annually.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-06 |title=Maharashtra to receive AI support through 'MARVEL' to expeditiously solve crimes |url=https://www.mid-day.com/technology/article/maharashtra-to-receive-ai-support-through-marvel-to-expeditiously-solve-crimes-23361135 |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=Mid-day |language=en}}</ref>
== Related Initiatives ==
In addition to MARVEL, the Maharashtra government has approved other technology-driven law enforcement initiatives:
* A ₹76 crore semi-automated processing project for the speedy disposal of cybercrime cases
* Establishment of a ₹42 crore Computer Forensic Science Centre of Excellence<ref name="toi" />
== See also ==
* [[Maharashtra Police]]
* [[Artificial intelligence in law enforcement]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:2024 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Law enforcement in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Artificial intelligence]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2024]]