How is Hyderabad Police Addressing Digital Blackmail and Cyberstalking?
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Hyderabad, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Commissioner of Police, V. C. Sajjanar, announced on Sunday that the Hyderabad Police will take a strong stance against the harassment of women, especially concerning digital blackmail and cyberstalking.
"No perpetrator should think that anonymity or technology will protect them from justice. We are committed to addressing every complaint seriously and will ensure that stringent legal measures are enforced," the Commissioner emphasized.
The SHE Teams of Hyderabad Police successfully resolved over 1,100 complaints and apprehended more than 3,800 offenders in just one year.
Utilizing a mix of undercover surveillance, decoy operations, and advanced technical skills, the specialized unit of the city police arrested 3,826 individuals caught in the act of various harassment forms in 2025.
Sajjanar reiterated that ensuring women’s safety is an unwavering priority for the Hyderabad Police.
He encouraged women not to endure such situations silently, stating that the fear of stigma should never prevent victims from seeking support.
"Your identity and dignity will be safeguarded. Maintaining confidentiality is our duty, and the police are here to support every woman who comes forward," he assured, promising a prompt and victim-focused response to complaints.
Analysis of the cases reported during the year revealed an alarming increase in cyber-related crimes. Blackmail was identified as the most frequent issue, with 366 victims seeking assistance.
Offenders typically connected with women through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, gaining their trust before exploiting recorded video calls or private images for financial or sexual favors. In many instances, former partners leveraged old photographs to intimidate victims, often attempting to sabotage their future relationships.
The police also identified a rise in what they termed psychological voyeurism, where offenders utilize the anonymity of digital platforms to harass women. The SHE Teams addressed 121 cases of midnight harassment via internet calls and 82 instances involving fake profiles and the dissemination of inappropriate content on WhatsApp.
At least 50 women reported significant mental distress due to persistent abusive calls from unidentified numbers, which were later traced through forensic methods. The teams also managed 98 cases of breach of promise to marry, where men allegedly exploited women emotionally, physically, or financially under the guise of marriage before abandoning them.
Victims were provided with psychological support, and legal action was initiated against the accused.
In addition to complaint-driven responses, the SHE Teams maintained a robust preventative presence on the streets. Fifteen teams in plain clothing conducted surveillance and decoy operations at bus stations, educational institutions, and other crowded venues. Out of the 3,826 offenders apprehended, most received counseling along with their families, while serious cases resulted in FIRs, arrests, and judicial custody.