A total of 478 individuals, including 92 minors, were nabbed by the She Teams of the Hyderabad Police, for various offences related to harassment and inappropriate behaviour in crowded public gatherings during Bonalu and Moharram in July 2025. Of those caught, 386 were adults.
Among those picked up, 288 were let off with warnings after counselling, while four individuals were booked under petty cases that led to convictions and fines totalling â‚ą1,050. In a separate set of petition disposals, five offenders were convicted, one of whom received imprisonment along with a fine, while four others were fined â‚ą50 each. Additionally, eight FIRs were registered across different police stations in the city.
The police said that several individuals were caught red-handed for misbehaving with women devotees at prominent religious sites such as Golconda Bonalu, Balkampet Yellamma Temple, and Secunderabad’s Ujjaini Mahakali Temple. To manage the large festive crowds and enhance women’s safety, up to 14 She Teams were deployed at various locations.
Beyond enforcement, the teams also undertook extensive outreach efforts. A total of 124 awareness programmes were conducted, alongside 1,405 observations in public spaces and 352 mobile campaigns using audio-visual (AV) vehicles in an attempt to promote awareness about safety, encourage reporting of harassment, and reinforce a culture of zero tolerance towards gender-based misconduct.
In an advisory issued to the public, She Teams warned citizens to remain cautious online. People were urged to be wary of fake social media profiles, avoid oversharing personal information, and secure their digital accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Citizens have been encouraged to report any incidents of teasing or harassment by contacting SHE Teams through Dial 100 or WhatsApp at 9490616555.
Published – July 15, 2025 07:47 pm IST
