Hyderabad man booked for filming, threatening interfaith couple

Hyderabad: In a disturbing case of harassment and moral policing, Saifabad Police arrested a 24-year-old man for assaulting an interfaith duo near the Dr BR Ambedkar statue on NTR Marg and circulating a video of the incident on social media with communal overtones.

The accused, identified as Mohammed Raheel, a Rapido driver from Shakargunj, Charminar, targeted the victims based on their religious identities and recorded them without consent.

Victims targeted, filmed and threatened

The incident took place in the early hours of July 29. According to the complaint filed by Chinthala Neeraj, an IT employee, he and his 24-year-old female colleague (a Muslim) were returning home around 3:45 am when Raheel confronted them. He began recording a video on his mobile phone and questioned the woman for being with a Hindu man while wearing a hijab.

Raheel allegedly abused, threatened, and physically assaulted both individuals. He threw a helmet at Neeraj and pursued them on his two-wheeler while continuing to film, right until they reached Himayatnagar.

Video circulated to incite hatred

The video was later uploaded on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where it quickly went viral. Police said the video not only violated the privacy and dignity of the two individuals but was also intended to provoke communal sentiments.

Authorities highlighted the potential danger this posed to the safety of the victims and their families, particularly from individuals influenced by such hate-driven content.

Accused traced through CCTV, arrested

Following the complaint, Saifabad Police registered a case under Cr. No. 209/2025 and invoked multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. CCTV footage helped police trace Raheel, who was apprehended near Charminar.

During questioning, he admitted to the offence. Police seized his mobile phone and two-wheeler used in the crime. He has been remanded to judicial custody.

Strict message against moral policing

City police officials condemned the incident as a dangerous form of vigilante behaviour disguised as moral or religious policing. “No individual has the right to question, intimidate, or shame others based on their personal choices, especially under communal pretexts,” DCP Central Zone K Shilpavalli said.

The act of filming and sharing the video was described as a serious breach of individual liberty, and police assured firm action against anyone attempting to portray such harassment as justified.

Public cautioned against sharing inflammatory content

The Hyderabad Police have issued a stern warning to the public and social media users: refrain from sharing, reacting to, or forwarding such videos. Even indirect amplification of hate content, including through outrage or criticism, could attract legal consequences.

Citizens have been advised to report such posts directly to law enforcement instead of spreading them further.

Online misinformation against police under watch

Officials also drew attention to growing attempts by some social media users to defame police officers or distort facts in ongoing investigations. The department emphasized that spreading misinformation or targeting officials without verifying facts will be taken seriously.

“These are sensitive matters requiring responsible dialogue, not digital vigilantism or sensationalism,” the DCP stated.

Police reaffirm neutral and lawful approach

The police reiterated their commitment to act impartially and lawfully in the interest of public order and social harmony.