Hyderabad, 11 August
116 people detained during Bonalu in Hyderabad’s Old City
Eight suspects with previous criminal records were sent to police stations for further action
Hyderabad police detained 116 suspects during Bonalu in Hyderabad’s Old City as part of intensified security and crime prevention measures during the Lal Darwaza Bonalu festival.
The Hyderabad Central Crime Station’s special teams conducted surveillance in and around the festival area on August 9 and 10, police said on Tuesday, August 11.
According to police, eight of those detained were found to have previous criminal records and were subsequently sent to the concerned police stations for further action.
Special teams intensify surveillance
Hyderabad City Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes and SIT) M Srinivas said the special crime teams maintained close surveillance throughout the festival to prevent criminal activity.
Police monitored the movements of old criminals, habitual offenders and property-related criminals in the area.
The teams also kept a close watch on major entrances and exits, crowded locations and other sensitive areas considered vulnerable to criminal activity.
The heightened surveillance was aimed at preventing incidents such as theft, chain snatching and other offences during the festival, when large crowds gathered in the Old City.
No cellphone theft or chain-snatching incidents reported
According to M Srinivas, coordination between the Special Crime Team and local police helped maintain peace and order during the celebrations.
He said no incidents of cellphone theft or chain snatching were reported in the vicinity of the festival during the surveillance period.
The police presence was increased in crowded areas to ensure the safety of devotees and visitors attending the Lal Darwaza Bonalu celebrations.
Police continue crime prevention measures
The detention of 116 suspects formed part of the preventive measures taken by police during the festival.
Officials said the continuous monitoring of individuals with previous criminal records helped police identify and detain suspects who could potentially engage in criminal activity.
Police maintained surveillance across the festival area and surrounding locations throughout the two-day period to ensure that the celebrations remained peaceful.
The Hyderabad police said coordination between specialised crime teams and local personnel played an important role in maintaining law and order during Bonalu in Hyderabad’s Old City.