Malkajgiri Police Launch Sanskar Initiative to Reform 760 Offenders Accused of Harassing Women

Hyderabad's Malkajgiri Police held a major counselling event aimed at reforming individuals accused of harassing women and girls, with Police Commissioner B. Sumathi emphasizing the chance for behavioural change before legal action is pursued.

The Sanskar programme, organised by She Teams at PMR Garden in Nagole on Friday, brought together offenders to help them understand the gravity of their actions. Commissioner Sumathi stressed that the initiative provides participants with a critical opportunity to acknowledge their mistakes and alter their conduct before criminal proceedings commence.

The Commissioner issued a clear warning that repeat offenders would face formal cases. She highlighted the serious consequences of a criminal record, noting that convictions can jeopardize employment prospects, obstruct access to higher education, and complicate applications for overseas studies.

Sumathi emphasized that women are making significant contributions across all sectors of society, yet harassment and discrimination remain entrenched challenges. She called on programme participants to recognise women's rights and utilise the counselling opportunity to transform their behaviour.

Between January and May 18 this year, She Teams in the Malkajgiri Commissionerate registered 61 first information reports and detained 760 individuals on harassment-related charges. During the same period, police also filed 236 petty cases. Among those apprehended, 137 were minors, which the Commissioner identified as a particular concern.

Beyond individual counselling, She Teams have conducted awareness campaigns across 406 schools and public locations within the commissionerate, reaching over 53,000 people. These sessions covered critical topics including women's safety, digital security, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and responsible online conduct.

According to the Commissioner, both awareness initiatives and the Sanskar programme are essential components in reducing harassment and creating safer environments for women and girls in public spaces.