Hyderabad: Cyberabad Police stepped up action against harassment and trafficking between August 15 and 21, with SHE Teams conducting 109 decoy operations and catching 18 persons.
The Cyberabad police crackdown also included action by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU). The unit rescued victims and apprehended accused persons in trafficking and Juvenile Justice Act cases.
During the week, SHE Teams caught 18 persons while they allegedly committed indecent acts in public places. Police subsequently registered 17 petty cases. The teams also provided counselling as part of the action.
Meanwhile, SHE Teams received 25 complaints from women during the same period. Police registered three petty cases based on these complaints. The teams counselled the remaining persons involved in the complaints.
Cyberabad police crackdown includes trafficking cases
The AHTU rescued two victims in two cases registered under the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act. Police also apprehended four accused in connection with those two cases. In a separate case under the Juvenile Justice Act, authorities rescued two boys. They also apprehended two accused in that case.
The Cyberabad police crackdown therefore covered public harassment, trafficking and offences involving juveniles. Police also addressed family disputes during the week. Police and Family Counselling Centres helped reunite 32 families that had been facing marital disputes.
Alongside enforcement, the police conducted preventive programmes to raise public awareness about crimes affecting women and children. AHTU and SHE Teams conducted awareness programmes at different locations across Cyberabad.
The programmes reached around 4,974 people during the week. Officials created awareness about human trafficking and child trafficking. They also discussed eve-teasing, stalking and cyber harassment.
In addition, the programmes covered online fraud, cyberbullying and risks faced by children. Police provided information about child marriage, child rights and child labour. Moreover, they explained the channels available for seeking immediate assistance.
The teams highlighted helpline 181 and child helpline 1098 during the programmes. They also promoted emergency numbers 100 and 112. Additionally, participants received information about cybercrime helpline 1930.
The Cyberabad police crackdown combined enforcement with counselling, victim rescue and preventive awareness. During the August 15-21 period, police focused on harassment, trafficking, cyber offences and child protection while reaching nearly 5,000 people through awareness activities.