Hyderabad: 678 Held for Offences Against Women During Bonalu Festival
The Hyderabad City Police's SHE Teams took action against 678 individuals for alleged harassment and other misconduct against women during this year's Bonalu festivities. Police officials confirmed that special teams were deployed at temples, procession routes, bus stops, Metro stations, marketplaces, and other crowded locations to ensure women's safety during the festival.
Bonalu, an annual Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, draws large crowds across Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana. During the festival, SHE Teams conducted surveillance in plain clothes, monitored vulnerable spots, and intervened when incidents of harassment were detected. According to police, the teams received 122 complaints under various categories.
The detained individuals were accused of eve-teasing, stalking, inappropriate behaviour, and other acts of misconduct. Officers stated that videographic evidence was collected in several cases to support legal proceedings. The accused were taken into custody and petty cases were registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Hyderabad City Police Act.
Court proceedings resulted in conviction for 25 individuals, who were sentenced to imprisonment along with fines. In addition, 13 other cases investigated by SHE Teams also ended in convictions after due legal process. Among those produced before courts, 11 were sentenced to up to three days of simple imprisonment and fined ₹1,050 each. Another 26 individuals were convicted in petty cases, fined ₹1,050 each, and ordered to perform community service.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any incidents of harassment or emergencies by dialling 100 or 112. SHE Teams can also be contacted via WhatsApp at 9490616555 for assistance and swift action.
