Hyderabad: During the Bonalu Festival, Hyderabad SHE Teams apprehended 644 people for harassment. Five were jailed for a week. They were caught engaging in eve-teasing, inappropriate conduct, and filming women without permission.
The SHE Teams, part of a safety initiative during the Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad, closely watched gatherings and processions to protect women and girls. They positioned teams strategically at major festival sites like Golconda Bonalu, Balkampet Yellamma Bonalu, Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu (Secunderabad), and Lal Darwaza Mahankali Bonalu. Dr. Lavanya NJP, DCP Women Safety Wing, stated that 644 individuals were caught, including 552 adults and 92 minors.
Five offenders, Ram Anand (51), Nilakanth (48), Balraju (36), Lakshman (42), and Dinesh (34), were found misbehaving with female devotees. They appeared in court, and Sri Manda Murali, IXth Special Judicial Magistrate, Nampally, sentenced them to seven days in jail under Section 70(c) of the Hyderabad City Police Act.
SHE Teams advise women and children to remain vigilant in public areas. If faced with misbehavior or harassment, they should report to SHE Teams or call 100/112 immediately.
Citizens are urged to report any harassment they experience or witness. For help or to report, contact the SHE Teams helpline at Dial 100 or WhatsApp 9490616555.
