Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh – In a nation where countless families grapple with the agonizing uncertainty of missing loved ones, a young entrepreneur from Jhansi is stepping up with a tech-driven solution. Dhruv Gupta, a 24-year-old B.Tech graduate, has launched “Khoji,” an innovative AI-powered startup poised to transform how missing individuals are found and reunited with their families in India.
A Personal Tragedy Sparks a National Solution
Dhruv’s journey began with a personal tragedy: the disappearance of an elderly family member. Frustrated by the limitations of existing search methods, Dhruv recognized the urgent need for a more efficient and comprehensive system. Inspired to make a difference, he channeled his tech expertise into creating Khoji, a platform designed to connect families, law enforcement, NGOs, and social workers in a collaborative search effort.
Khoji: India’s First Patented Web-Based Platform for Finding Missing Persons
Khoji.in, launched in December 2024, is India’s first patented web-based platform dedicated to solving the missing person crisis. The platform leverages cutting-edge AI technology to quickly and accurately identify and match missing individuals, significantly reducing the time and resources required for traditional searches.
Addressing a Critical Need
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), an average of 930 people go missing every day in India. Khoji aims to address this alarming statistic by providing a unified platform that streamlines the search process and enhances collaboration among key stakeholders.
How Khoji Works
Khoji offers a range of search options tailored to different user needs:
Face Photo Identification: Using advanced facial recognition algorithms, Khoji can identify missing persons from photos, even if their appearance has changed.
Identity-Based Search: Users can search using government-issued IDs to quickly verify a missing person’s identity.
Real-Time Alerts: Registered members receive instant notifications when a potential match is found, facilitating rapid response and communication.
Empowering Law Enforcement and NGOs
Khoji provides NGOs and law enforcement agencies with a powerful tool to identify unidentified individuals and connect them with their families. By uploading details and photos to the platform, these organizations can expand their reach and increase the chances of a successful reunion.
Affordable Plans for Families
Khoji offers affordable subscription plans for families, providing access to the platform’s AI-powered search capabilities and real-time alerts. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many families, Khoji aims to make its services accessible to all.
Early Success and Government Partnerships
In just a few months since its launch, Khoji has already reunited over 65 missing individuals with their families. The platform has gained widespread adoption among police, NGOs, and social workers across India and has forged partnerships with key government initiatives like DigiLocker and NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.
Dhruv Gupta’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dhruv envisions Khoji as a comprehensive solution for a range of challenges, including tracking criminals, solving murder cases, and managing traffic. He also plans to launch a vehicle verification service to combat the growing problem of stolen vehicles in India.
Collaboration is Key
Dhruv emphasizes the importance of collaboration with government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Home Affairs, to accelerate the process of reuniting missing persons with their families.
A Bold Goal: Instant Identification
Within the next five years, Dhruv aims to make missing person identification as simple and instantaneous as using popular apps like Ola/Uber or UPI payments. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, he believes that the cost and burden of missing person cases can be significantly reduced, bringing hope and relief to countless families across India.
FAQ
Q: How can Khoji help families find missing loved ones?
A: Khoji uses advanced AI technology to quickly and accurately identify missing persons from photos, IDs, and other information. The platform also provides real-time alerts and connects families with law enforcement and NGOs.
Q: Is Khoji affordable for families in India?
A: Yes, Khoji offers affordable subscription plans to make its services accessible to all families, regardless of their financial situation.
Q: How can NGOs and law enforcement agencies use Khoji?
A: NGOs and law enforcement agencies can upload details and photos of unidentified individuals to Khoji’s platform, expanding their reach and increasing the chances of a successful reunion.