A senior police officer in Hyderabad has exposed alarming levels of street harassment after conducting a covert field operation designed to assess women’s safety in public spaces during late-night hours.
According to reports cited from Indian media outlets, the Malakajgiri Police Commissioner, Sumathi, undertook the unusual exercise by disguising herself as an ordinary woman. Without any visible security presence, she stood alone at a bus station between 12:30 am and 3:30 am, aiming to observe real-world conditions faced by women at night rather than relying solely on complaints or official records.
What unfolded during this three-hour period was deeply concerning. Around 40 men reportedly approached her with inappropriate proposals. Several individuals appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, while others were suspected of having consumed narcotic substances. The majority of those involved were young men, including students and working professionals, none of whom realised they were speaking to a senior police official.
Authorities later confirmed that the primary objective of the operation was to gain first-hand insight into women’s safety challenges in public areas after dark. Following identification efforts, those involved were traced. Instead of immediate criminal proceedings, the police opted for counselling sessions, coupled with strict warnings regarding public conduct and respect towards women. This approach was widely noted for balancing enforcement with behavioural correction.
The initiative has drawn significant public attention, particularly among women’s rights advocates, who have praised the proactive stance taken to highlight gaps between perceived and actual safety levels in urban environments.
Key Details of the Operation
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Bus station in Hyderabad |
| Time Frame | 12:30 am – 3:30 am |
| Method | Undercover observation in civilian disguise |
| Duration | Approximately 3 hours |
| Incidents Recorded | Around 40 instances of inappropriate proposals |
| Suspected Influences | Alcohol consumption and possible drug use |
| Action Taken | Identification, counselling, formal warnings |
This is not the first time Commissioner Sumathi has adopted unconventional field methods. Early in her career, nearly 25 years ago, she carried out a similar exercise while serving near Kazipet Railway Station as a Deputy Superintendent of Police, aiming to directly evaluate women’s safety conditions in public transit zones.
Over the years, she has held several significant positions within the police hierarchy, including heading the State Intelligence Bureau. Prior to her current appointment, she also played a key role in facilitating the surrender of several senior Maoist operatives under a government-backed rehabilitation framework.
She assumed charge as the Malakajgiri Police Commissioner on 1 May, bringing with her a reputation for operational innovation and intelligence-led policing approaches.