Hyderabad, 8 August
Hyderabad Police Use Force to Control Crowd at Saroornagar Job Drive
Hyderabad police reportedly used batons to control a large crowd of jobseekers at Saroornagar Stadium on Saturday, August 8, as thousands of candidates turned up for a recruitment drive conducted by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).
Videos from the venue circulating on social media showed a large number of candidates gathered outside the stadium. According to reports, the crowd became difficult to manage as jobseekers pushed towards the venue, prompting police to use lathis and barricades to control the situation and prevent a possible stampede. Hyderabad Police Use Force to Control Crowd at Saroornagar Job Drive
Over 15,000 Candidates Reportedly Turn Up
According to videos shared from the venue on X, more than 15,000 candidates reportedly arrived at the Saroornagar Stadium for the walk-in recruitment process. Hyderabad Police Use Force to Control Crowd at Saroornagar Job Drive
The large turnout significantly exceeded the number of vacancies announced by HYDRAA, creating heavy congestion around the stadium.
Police personnel were deployed to manage the crowd and regulate the movement of candidates. Officials reportedly used barricades and batons after the situation became difficult to control.
However, the reported figure of more than 15,000 candidates and the extent of the police action could not be independently verified immediately.
HYDRAA Recruitment Drive for 150 Posts
The crowd had gathered following a HYDRAA notification inviting applications for 150 contractual posts. Hyderabad Police Use Force to Control Crowd at Saroornagar Job Drive.
The vacancies include:
- 100 DRF Assistant posts
- 50 Heavy Vehicle Driver posts
The walk-in selection process was scheduled at Saroornagar Stadium on August 8 and 9, beginning at 5 am.
Candidates appearing for the recruitment were required to clear physical fitness tests as part of the selection process.
Physical Tests for HYDRAA Recruitment
According to the recruitment notification, candidates were required to complete several physical tests, including:
- 800-metre run: Within 170 seconds
- 100-metre run: Within 15 seconds
- Long jump: 4 metres
- Shot put: 6 metres using a 7.2 kg ball
The high turnout at the recruitment drive highlights the intense competition for government and public-sector job opportunities, with the number of applicants significantly exceeding the available vacancies. Hyderabad Police Use Force to Control Crowd at Saroornagar Job Drive
Police and HYDRAA Response Awaited
The situation at Saroornagar Stadium has raised concerns over crowd management arrangements for large-scale recruitment drives.
Further details regarding the number of candidates who attended, the police action and the arrangements made by the authorities are awaited from Hyderabad police and HYDRAA.