Despite a Central advisory prohibiting mandatory collection of mobile numbers, Hyderabad retailers continue to insist on them during billing. Consumers face unsolicited promotions and privacy breaches, while the Telangana Consumer Affairs Department has yet to implement the advisory effectively.
The arrested persons are K Dinna Chitra from Yapral, Shaik Mumtaz from Balajinagar, Shaik Ashu from Balajinagar and Shaik Sameera from Yapral, all cross dressers.
This advisory was issued in response to complaints from consumers who felt that they were being forced to provide their personal information in order to receive services
According to the police, the gang targeted crowded jewelry shops in Uppal and Jawaharnagar areas and posing as customers, diverted the attention of the shopkeeper or salesperson and stole ornaments