Hyderabad police misconduct cases raise concerns over women’s safety and accountability

Recent allegations against Hyderabad police personnel have prompted legal professionals and women’s rights activists to demand accountability, transparent complaint mechanisms and strict action, including dismissal in cases where misconduct is established

Hyderabad: The arrest of Khairatabad Detective Inspector Balaswamy and the suspension of former Jubilee Hills Inspector U. Srinivasulu Reddy over allegations of misconduct involving women have brought police conduct under scrutiny.

In the latest case, Balaswamy was arrested by Saidabad police on Saturday following a complaint by a woman who alleged that he had sexually exploited her on the promise of marriage.

---

According to the police, the woman alleged that he had been deceiving her since 2017 and had continued the relationship even after her husband’s death, assuring her that he would marry her. When he allegedly refused to fulfil the promise, she approached the police. He was arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

In a separate case, Inspector Srinivasulu Reddy, who was posted at Jubilee Hills, was suspended by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar following allegations of serious misconduct involving a woman complainant.

In September, Uppal police arrested constable Arun Kumar after a woman alleged that they had been in a relationship for nearly 11 years, during which she had undergone abortions. She claimed that he had paid an advance for a wedding hall but married another woman in July.

In May, a sub-inspector attached to Kollur police station was suspended and later arrested following a complaint by a woman constable. She alleged that he had entered into a relationship with her on the promise of marriage while concealing the fact that he was already married.

Members of the legal fraternity and women’s rights activists have demanded the dismissal of police personnel found guilty of exploiting women who approach police stations for official work, arguing that suspension alone is no deterrent.

High Court advocate S.M. Abdul Samad said police personnel must be held accountable for misusing their positions. “If misconduct is established, departmental action must be firm and accompanied by criminal prosecution wherever warranted. No one should be above the law,” he said.

Women’s activist Noorjahan said women approached police stations expecting protection, not exploitation. “Such incidents undermine public confidence. Complaints must be investigated impartially and swiftly,” she said.

Another activist, K. Sailaja, said suspension alone was inadequate when serious misconduct was proved. She called for dismissal in established cases to deter others from abusing their authority.

The activists said police stations must remain safe spaces for women and called for transparent complaint mechanisms and exemplary action against personnel found guilty.