Hyderabad: Malkajgiri CP Sumathi conducted a midnight field operation at the Dilsukhnagar bus stop to assess the safety challenges faced by women travelling alone at night.
The IPS officer stood alone at the bus stop between 12.30 am and 3.30 am. She did not reveal her identity as a senior police official during the operation.
During the exercise, several men allegedly approached and harassed her with inappropriate comments and vulgar offers.
According to police sources, nearly 40 men surrounded and questioned her during the operation. Officials said many of them appeared intoxicated. Some were allegedly under the influence of ganja.
Malkajgiri CP Sumathi assesses women safety
Police later reached the spot and detained the men involved in the incident. Officials identified them and conducted counselling sessions regarding their behaviour towards women.
Sources said most of the individuals were students and employees. The operation highlighted concerns over the safety of women travelling alone during late-night hours in the city.
This was not the first such field exercise conducted by Sumathi. Around 25 years ago, while serving as a DSP near Kazipet railway station, she reportedly carried out a similar operation.
The exercise aimed to understand women’s safety issues at the ground level. Despite holding a senior position, Sumathi personally assessed field conditions instead of depending only on official reports.