Hyderabad SHE Teams Crack Down on Digital Harassment: 121 Midnight Cases Resolved
In a significant crackdown on digital crimes against women, Hyderabad City Police's SHE Teams announced on Sunday that they have successfully resolved 121 cases of midnight harassment where perpetrators used internet calls to maintain anonymity. Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar revealed that the specialized women's safety units have been actively combating various forms of cyber harassment plaguing the city.
Digital Blackmail Emerges as Most Common Complaint
SHE Teams officials disclosed that digital blackmail has emerged as the most prevalent complaint in cases of digital harassment, with a staggering 366 victims seeking assistance over the past year. Commissioner Sajjanar explained that in most instances, the accused were former relationship partners or acquaintances who exploited personal connections for malicious purposes.
"Offenders typically befriend women on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, gain their trust, and later misuse recorded video calls or private photographs to extort money or sexual favors," Mr. Sajjanar stated in an official press note. "In several cases, former partners used old images to threaten victims, often attempting to disrupt their future marriages or personal lives."
Comprehensive Statistics Reveal Alarming Trends
The police department shared comprehensive data highlighting the scale of digital harassment in Hyderabad:
- SHE Teams resolved 82 additional cases involving fake profiles and circulation of obscene content on WhatsApp
- At least 50 women reported severe mental distress due to repeated abusive calls from untraceable numbers
- Forensic analysis played crucial role in identifying previously anonymous harassers
- Over the past year, SHE Teams received 1,149 complaints of various kinds, including digital harassment
- During the same period, 3,826 persons were apprehended for harassment-related offenses
Victim Testimonies Highlight Psychological Trauma
Officials shared powerful testimonies from victims whose tormentors were apprehended after they approached the police. A 22-year-old woman recounted her harrowing experience following a relationship breakup:
"I was living in a constant state of fear, paralysed by the thought that a single click by my harasser could destroy my reputation and my family's honour. I felt suffocated and saw no way out until I reached out to the SHE Teams. They not only apprehended the culprit but handled my case with great sensitivity and confidentiality, which helped restore my dignity."
In another distressing case, a woman described how workplace harassment escalated into daily nightmares:
"What began as unwanted attention soon escalated into a daily nightmare of stalking and death threats. My workplace, which used to be my safe space, felt like a trap as I was being followed every day."
After approaching the SHE Team, the accused was arrested, and the woman reported being able to approach authorities without fear.
Police Commissioner Issues Stern Warning
Commissioner Sajjanar issued a strong warning to potential offenders, emphasizing that harassment—particularly digital blackmail and cyberstalking—would be dealt with firmly. "No offender should assume that anonymity or technology will shield them from the law," he declared.
The Police Commissioner made a heartfelt appeal to victims, urging them not to suffer in silence and to seek help from SHE Teams to overcome their problems. Officials assured women that their identities and dignity would be protected throughout the process.
"Your identity and dignity will be protected. Confidentiality is our responsibility, and the police will stand with every woman who comes forward. We assure swift response and victim-centric handling of complaints," officials emphasized.
The Hyderabad Police's proactive approach through SHE Teams demonstrates their commitment to creating safer digital spaces for women while ensuring that perpetrators face legal consequences for their actions.
