Hyderabad, August 2025
The vibrant celebrations of Bonalu and Moharram in Hyderabad this year were not just marked by devotion and colour, but also by a determined push to make festival spaces safer for women. The city’s SHE Teams, a specialised wing of the Telangana Police dedicated to women’s safety, carried out a large-scale crackdown on sexual harassment incidents during the festive season.
478 Offenders Caught Red-Handed
Over the course of the celebrations, SHE Teams apprehended 478 individuals for misbehaving with women at prominent congregation points, including:
- Golconda
- Balkampet Yellamma Temple
- Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, Secunderabad
Of the offenders, 386 were adults and 92 were minors. The actions taken were stern yet balanced, aiming both to punish offenders and to deter future misconduct.
Legal Action and Penalties
The crackdown led to:
- 8 FIRs registered
- 288 people issued official warnings
- 5 convictions secured, including one offender sentenced to jail
The cases were processed quickly, underscoring the zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, especially in crowded public gatherings.
Massive Awareness and Surveillance Drive
Beyond immediate enforcement, SHE Teams focused on prevention and education. Efforts included:
- 124 outreach programs to spread awareness about women’s rights and safety measures
- 1,405 surveillance checks across festival venues, markets, bus stops, and other public places
- 352 audio-visual campaigns in schools, colleges, and public locations
These measures not only helped in early detection of misconduct but also created a visible deterrent effect among crowds.
Ensuring Safety During Cultural Celebrations
Hyderabad’s Bonalu and Moharram festivities attract thousands of devotees and visitors from across the region. While the celebrations are steeped in tradition, the city’s law enforcement authorities recognise the risks of overcrowding and the potential for harassment.
By deploying 14 specialised SHE Teams across strategic points, the police were able to blend cultural respect with strict law enforcement, ensuring that women could participate without fear or discomfort.
A Strong Message to Miscreants
The success of this year’s safety campaign sends a clear message — harassment will not be tolerated, and offenders will face swift consequences. More importantly, the combination of legal action, awareness, and community participation represents a sustainable model for safeguarding women during public events.
As Hyderabad continues to grow as a cultural and metropolitan hub, such proactive measures ensure that its festivals remain not only vibrant but also safe for everyone.
