Overview
Ahmedabad’s Crime Branch has launched an unconventional investigative track after two unrelated homicides were reported in the city over the past six months. Senior officers say that witnesses repeatedly mentioned “ghostly” sightings at the crime scenes, prompting the department to explore whether these paranormal claims could contain useful forensic clues. The police are now assessing whether to enlist professional “ghost hunters” and to equip a new investigative unit with technology from U.S.‑based GhostStop and U.K.‑based SpiritShack.
The Cases and the “Ghost” Leads
The first murder, recorded in late December 2025, involved a 34‑year‑old software engineer whose body was found in a vacant house on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Neighbours reported hearing “unusual whispers” and seeing “a faint, translucent figure” near the property the night before the discovery. The second case, in March 2026, concerned a 27‑year‑old shopkeeper found dead in a back‑alley market; several stall owners claimed the victim’s “spirit lingered” and pointed to a set of footprints that vanished midway down the lane.
While the police initially treated these accounts as folklore, Crime Branch Superintendent Ramesh Patel said, “When multiple independent witnesses describe similar anomalous phenomena, it warrants a systematic review. Our goal is to separate myth from material evidence that could lead us to the perpetrator.” The department has therefore catalogued 27 “ghost‑related” reports linked to the two murders, ranging from temperature drops to electromagnetic fluctuations.
Evaluating Specialist Equipment
To move beyond anecdotal testimony, the Ahmedabad police are in talks with two firms that specialize in paranormal investigation tools. GhostStop, headquartered in Austin, Texas, offers a suite of devices that combine infrared imaging, electromagnetic field (EMF) meters, and AI‑driven pattern analysis. SpiritShack, based in Manchester, markets portable spectro‑thermal cameras and a cloud‑based data‑correlation platform used by investigative teams in the United Kingdom.
A senior technical officer, Anita Mehta, explained, “These systems can map heat signatures, detect hidden electronic devices, and record audio frequencies beyond human hearing. If a ‘ghost’ narrative is masking a hidden camera, a suppressed weapon, or a concealed entry point, the equipment could reveal it.” The police have allocated a provisional budget of ₹2.5 crore for a pilot program, with the procurement decision slated for the upcoming fiscal quarter.
Expert and Public Reaction
The proposal has sparked a mix of curiosity and skepticism among criminologists and civil‑rights advocates. Dr. Vikram Singh, a forensic psychologist at Gujarat University, noted, “Psychological stress can produce vivid sensory experiences. Investigating these reports with scientific tools may uncover stress‑induced misperceptions, but it also risks legitimizing superstition if not rigorously controlled.”
Conversely, citizen groups have welcomed the initiative, arguing that dismissing local beliefs could alienate communities whose cooperation is essential for solving crimes. “When people feel their stories are heard, they are more likely to share concrete information,” said Ayesha Khan, director of the NGO Community Safety Gujarat.
Next Steps and Legal Safeguards
The Crime Branch has outlined a protocol to ensure that any forensic data collected through GhostStop or SpiritShack equipment complies with existing Indian evidence laws. All recordings will be logged, timestamped, and stored in a secure, court‑admissible format. Moreover, the department will seek clearance from the Gujarat State Police Commissioner and the state’s legal affairs department before deploying the technology in active investigations.
Superintendent Patel concluded, “Whether we end up finding a hidden weapon, a concealed passage, or simply confirming that the ‘ghost’ was a misinterpretation, the systematic approach will add another layer to our investigative toolkit. Our priority remains the same: to bring the perpetrators to justice, using every reliable method at our disposal.”
The investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as the police finalize equipment contracts and commence field trials.
