Hyderabad Police in Telangana conducted an undercover operation to assess women’s safety during late-night hours, following repeated complaints about inadequate protection for women travelling at night.
As part of the exercise, Malkajgiri Police Commissioner Sumathi, an IPS officer, went in plain clothes to the Dilsukhnagar bus stop around 12:30 am and stood alone to observe the situation.
Police said several men approached her, allegedly surrounding her, making obscene remarks and attempting to intimidate her. Some reportedly pressured her to get into their vehicles.
Between 12:30 am and 3:30 am, around 40 men approached and tried to cross limits, after which officers who were stationed nearby detained them for questioning. Police said most of those held appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and ganja.
Investigators found that the group included students and private-sector employees. Police said the men were warned and let off, and their parents were called in for counselling. Officials said the operation was aimed at identifying unsafe public spots and understanding the challenges faced by women waiting alone at night, a move that has drawn appreciation among women in Hyderabad.
