Hyderabad: 23 foreign nationals detained in Tolichowki cordon-and-search operation

Hyderabad police detained 23 foreign nationals for alleged visa violations during a late-night cordon-and-search operation in Tolichowki. Authorities seized vehicles, gas cylinders and liquor bottles, and said similar drives would continue in sensitive areas across the city.

Hyderabad: In a late-night crackdown, police conducted an extensive cordon and search operation and detained 23 foreign nationals for allegedly overstaying their visas and seizing several illegal items in Tolichowk on Monday.

The operation was conducted focusing on residential areas, including Paramount Colony (Gates 1 to 4), IAS Colony and Hakeempet Kunta, based on specific intelligence inputs about illegal foreign residents.

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Around 250 police personnel participated in the coordinated action, forming 10 search parties, seven cut-off teams, five lifting parties and two holding points to secure the area and prevent escape.

With assistance from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Hyderabad, the police officials verified documents and identified 23 foreign nationals allegedly residing in the city without a valid visa status. Legal proceedings are being initiated against them under relevant provisions.

During the search, police also seized 30 two-wheelers lacking valid documents, nine gas cylinders allegedly used for illegal refilling and 53 liquor bottles suspected to be stocked or sold illegally.

Police officials said special drives will continue across sensitive areas to curb illegal activities.