Malkajgiri Police Chief's Midnight Vigil Exposes Safety Gaps for Women Travellers

Hyderabad's Malkajgiri Police Commissioner Sumathi undertook an unannounced overnight operation at the Dilsukhnagar bus stop to gain direct insight into the safety concerns confronting women who travel unaccompanied during late evening and early morning hours.

Remaining incognito and without disclosing her official rank, the IPS officer stationed herself at the bus stop from 12:30 am to 3:30 am on the night of the operation. During this three-hour period, she encountered repeated approaches from multiple men who subjected her to harassment through inappropriate remarks and unwanted solicitations.

According to police records, approximately 40 men gathered around and engaged with her during the exercise. A significant number of these individuals displayed signs of intoxication, with some reportedly having consumed ganja. Law enforcement personnel subsequently arrived at the location and took the men into custody.

Upon identification, the detainees—predominantly comprising students and working professionals—were subjected to counselling sessions focused on addressing their conduct toward women. The operation brought into sharp relief the vulnerabilities that plague women commuters navigating the city's transportation network during the night hours.

This ground-level assessment represents a continuation of Sumathi's approach to policing. Roughly two and a half decades earlier, while holding the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police stationed near Kazipet railway station, she conducted a comparable firsthand investigation into safety conditions.

Rather than relying solely on departmental reports and data, the senior officer chose to personally examine field realities, a practice that underscores her commitment to understanding operational challenges from the perspective of those most affected by them.