Hyderabad, Aug 5 (Maxim News): The Hyderabad City SHE Teams apprehended 678 persons for harassment, eve teasing, stalking, and other offences against women during the Bonalu Festival 2026. Acting under the guidance of Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, the Women Safety Wing carried out extensive surveillance and security measures to ensure the safety of women and children during the festivities.
The special Bonalu bandobast covered temples, procession routes, bus stops, Metro stations, marketplaces, and other crowded locations. SHE Teams deployed personnel in plain clothes, conducted video surveillance, and took immediate action against offenders caught harassing women.
122 Complaints Received During Festival
During the festival, SHE Teams received 122 complaints under various categories. Police caught 678 offenders red handed, with videographic evidence collected in several cases to strengthen prosecution.
As part of the legal action, 25 accused were convicted by courts and sentenced to imprisonment along with fines. In addition, 13 cases investigated by SHE Teams also ended in convictions because of timely investigation and effective prosecution.
During special surveillance operations, officers identified several incidents in which offenders allegedly touched, followed, or harassed women devotees in crowded places. Police immediately detained the accused and registered petty cases under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Hyderabad City Police Act.
Among those convicted, 11 offenders received up to three days of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹1,050 each. Another 26 offenders were fined ₹1,050 each and directed by the court to perform community service, reinforcing Hyderabad Police’s zero tolerance policy against crimes targeting women.
400 Awareness Programmes Conducted
Apart from enforcement, SHE Teams focused on preventive policing throughout the Bonalu celebrations. Officers conducted 400 awareness programmes and 110 surveillance and observation activities across temples, educational institutions, public transport hubs, procession routes, and commercial areas.
The awareness campaigns educated citizens about women’s safety, cyber safety, legal provisions, emergency helplines, responsible public behaviour, and the importance of reporting offences without delay.
While addressing the media, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said the safety and dignity of women and children remained the department’s highest priority during Bonalu celebrations. He stated that Hyderabad Police adopted a comprehensive security strategy by combining surveillance, technology, preventive policing, and swift legal action against offenders. He appreciated the efforts of the Women & Child Safety Wing, SHE Teams, and all officers involved in the festival bandobust. He also thanked citizens for their cooperation and urged the public to continue reporting incidents of harassment so that prompt legal action can be taken.
Hyderabad Police reiterated that strict action will continue against anyone involved in harassment, stalking, sexual harassment, cyber abuse, or misuse of social media platforms. Citizens were urged to report such incidents immediately through Dial 100 or 112 or the SHE Teams WhatsApp Helpline at 9490616555.
SHE Teams also advised the public to remain cautious of fake social media profiles, avoid sharing excessive personal information online, secure digital accounts using strong passwords and two factor authentication, and report any form of harassment without hesitation. Police assured complete confidentiality and legal support to victims. (Maxim News)
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
