RPF Home Guard arrested, removed from services for dragging woman by hair at Hafeezpet

A Home Guard deputed to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) from the Vikarabad police was arrested and removed from service after a video shared on social media platforms showed him allegedly slapping a woman and dragging her by her hair for about 200 metres near Hafeezpet railway station.

The incident occurred on Friday evening and the accused was identified as Kadiga Anand, 36, Home Guard No. 379, a resident of Govindapur village in Vikarabad district. He has been in service for the last 14 years. The video of the incident, which was reported between 8.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday (September 18) night, was recorded by locals.

In the video, Anand can be seen slapping the woman. After she falls to the ground, he is seen catching hold of her hair and dragging her for about 200 metres.

Taking note of the video, Telangana Director General of Police C.V. Anand responded on X, describing the conduct as “abominable” and calling for immediate action.

“Such behaviour by our staff, whatever be the rank and whatever be the provocation, cannot be forgiven. It is abominable and in total disregard of all instructions and training,” the DGP said.

He said an inquiry had revealed that the man was a Home Guard on deputation to the RPF and was not with the local police. The DGP said he would be removed from service and face criminal action, and directed Cyberabad Police Commissioner M. Ramesh to act immediately.

Miyapur police subsequently registered a suo motu case and apprehended Anand. He was booked under Sections 74 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty and voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous means, respectively.

Mr. Ramesh later said Anand had been removed from his role as a Home Guard and his name would be struck off the rolls.

“We have zero tolerance towards crimes against women,” the Commissioner said. He added that Anand had been arrested and taken into police custody and would be produced before a court. Further investigation is underway.