478 Detained by She Teams for Harassment During Bonalu, Moharram

Rapid Summary:

• Arrests and Actions: Hyderabad Police’s She Teams apprehended 478 individuals (92 minors, 386 adults) for harassment and inappropriate behavior during bonalu and Moharram in July 2025.
• Outcomes:

– 288 offenders were released after counseling.
– Four individuals faced petty cases, with convictions resulting in combined fines of ₹1,050.
– Five offenders were convicted; one was sentenced to imprisonment alongside a fine, while four others paid fines of ₹50 each.
– Eight FIRs were registered across the city.

• Locations: Misbehavior was reported at major religious sites like Golconda Bonalu, Balkampet Yellamma Temple, and Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad.
• Efforts by She Teams:

– Deployment of 14 teams to ensure safety during large public gatherings.
– Organizing awareness campaigns: 124 programmes conducted; additional outreach included patrol observations (1,405), mobile AV campaigns (352).

• Advisory on Digital Safety: Citizens advised to avoid oversharing online facts and secure accounts using strong passwords/two-factor authentication.
• Reporting Mechanism: Teasing or harassment can be reported through Dial 100 or WhatsApp at 9490616555.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The proactive measures by Hyderabad Police’s She Teams highlight both increasing public engagement in addressing gender-related misconduct and the role of law enforcement agencies during crowded festive occasions. The emphasis on combining legal consequences with counseling demonstrates a balanced approach toward correcting behavior while discouraging repeat offenses.

While these efforts signal progress in creating safer spaces for women,particularly during large cultural events like Bonalu and Moharram where crowd control is challenging,sustained public cooperation will remain critical for broader societal change. The advisory urging citizens to practice digital safety underlines the importance of adapting security measures not just offline but also online amid rising cases of cyber-related exploitation.

Continued investment in awareness campaigns coupled with community reporting mechanisms such as WhatsApp-based helpline functionality could enhance trust between citizens and law enforcement-creating long-term cultural shifts toward zero tolerance for harassment across platforms.

Read more: Published July 15, 2025 | IST