Hyderabad: Fresh accusations of Hyderabad inspector extortion surfaced in the Old City after traders and residents said a South West Zone inspector ran his station like a personal enterprise. They explained that he fixed rates for each police task and demanded money from shopkeepers, market operators and colony associations. Locals also said he warned that refusal to pay would result in cases and targeted harassment.
Residents noted that complainants who visited the station faced demands for money based on the severity of their problem. They said the inspector rejected FIRs when people refused to pay. Notices reportedly cost between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000. Traders added that these practices intensified in recent weeks.
Community members also claimed the inspector collected nearly ₹20 lakh from educational institutions, hospitals, bars, restaurants, satta groups and belt-shop operators. He used the pretext of installing CCTV cameras to raise the money. They said he installed no cameras despite the collections. Locals argued that he operated freely because he enjoyed support from a senior “godfather” in the commissionerate.
This triggered further criticism after Commissioner C.V. Anand Sajjanar urged citizens on Thursday to support the ICE surveillance network. Residents questioned how illegal collections in the name of CCTV expansion continued even as senior officers requested public cooperation.
CCTV row followed earlier case manipulation allegations
Locals also recalled an incident two months ago in the South Zone, where four youths brandished swords during a wedding procession. Their videos went viral. Senior officers ordered immediate action, and the inspector detained the youths. Residents now say he negotiated with the accused, collected ₹2.5 lakh and replaced them in the case file with other individuals. They also said he continued to summon the original four and used them for personal errands.
Station staff shared additional concerns. They said the inspector supported criminals involved in betting and gambling and collected monthly mamools from these groups. They described this as a routine arrangement in the station.
A more recent incident created further unrest. The staff received information about a late-night satta session and detained the organisers after seizing their phones. They brought them to the station. Staff members said the inspector reacted angrily, backed the satta group, returned the phones and sent them away. This episode prompted wider discussion among personnel about his conduct.
Former colleagues pointed to earlier complaints against him. They said he faced a transfer after accusations of harassment from women constables. They added that he showed no change in behaviour even after the transfer.
Public demands for action have now intensified. Several residents urged Commissioner Sajjanar to act against the inspector to safeguard law and order and rebuild trust in the force. They said effective departmental measures were essential to restore confidence among citizens.