Hyderabad sees sharp rise in harassment cases against women, police tighten vigil

Hyderabad has seen a rise in harassment cases against women, with over 4,000 offenders caught by She Teams in 2025. Authorities are taking strict action, sharing offender details with employers, and increasing surveillance in public areas to ensure women’s safety.

Hyderabad: The cases of harassment against women in the city are seeing a gradual increase, with more women facing harassment on a daily basis. Many are subjected to lewd behaviour, stalking and verbal abuse in public spaces apart from social media platforms, causing emotional distress and raising concerns.

According to police data, over 500 complaints of harassment are received every month by the Hyderabad She Teams on average, reflecting the severity and persistence of the issue. The She Teams, which are tasked with monitoring women’s safety across Hyderabad Police Commissionerate, are nabbing at least 10 to 20 offenders on average every day.

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As per information available, over the last few years, the number of men caught for harassing women has gradually increased. While 1,144 persons were caught in 2021, the numbers increased to 1,268 in 2022 and jumped to 4,000 by 2025 year-end.

With a surge in complaints, the Hyderabad Police have been instructed by the top brass to take tough action against offenders. Orders have also been issued to open history sheets for those who repeatedly harass women or are repeat offenders.

Meanwhile, mental health experts point out that victims of harassment or survivors require several months to recover from the mental trauma caused by such incidents and return to normalcy. That depends on the individual and varies from each case. Those with sensitive or vulnerable dispositions may experience anxiety, fear, or depression for up to one or two years too.

On the other hand, the police authorities are also going beyond booking cases and mandatory counselling in such cases. In a more stringent approach, details of the offenders are also being shared with their employers, which is learnt to have led to disciplinary action at workplaces.

Recently, during the Ganesh festivities, Bonalu celebrations and other processions, the Hyderabad She Teams have caught nearly 1,000 men on charges of misbehaving with women. Those detained include private employees, government staff, senior citizens and even minors.

Government employees involved in such acts received memos from higher authorities. Among private sector employees, around 20 individuals were terminated from their jobs after their employers were informed of their behaviour, it is learnt.

Women Safety Wing DCP Dr Lavanya Naik Jadhav warned that strict surveillance is in place at metro trains, bus stops, educational institutions and other sensitive areas.

She urged women facing harassment to immediately report incidents through Dial 100 or 112.

Year-wise offenders caught by Hyderabad She Teams

Year – Persons

2021 – 1,144

2022 – 1,268

2023 – 1,200

2024 – 2,625

2025 – 4,000 (Till November)