Siddipet murder case: Telangana PSARA Controlling Authority cracks down on unlicensed private security agencies

Hyderabad: Telangana Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA) Controlling Authority has launched a crackdown against private security agencies operating without mandatory licences.

This follows a murder case in Siddipet district involving unlicensed security guards.

Murder case brings PSARA violations to light

According to the Controlling Authority, two security guards, Ranjith Pandey alias Ranjith Rai and Ritesh Kumar Rai alias Ritesh Rai, were named as accused in a murder case registered at Gajwel Police Station under the Siddipet Commissionerate limits.

Subsequent inquiry revealed that the duo was employed with Sampada Industrial Security Agency, operating from Quthbullapur in Medchal–Malkajgiri district.

Investigations further established that the agency was functioning without a valid PSARA licence, in clear violation of the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

FIR against Agency Owner

Based on these findings, the agency owner was booked under FIR No. 1994/2025 for offences under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 20 and 22 of the PSAR Act, 2005, the authority said.

Widespread Non-Compliance detected

The Controlling Authority noted that several private security agencies across Telangana have been found appointing security guards and supervisors without holding a valid PSARA licence, raising serious concerns over public safety and regulatory compliance.

Penalties under PSAR Act

Under Section 20 of the PSAR Act, 2005, any private security agency operating or appointing guards without a licence is liable for imprisonment up to one year, or fine up to ₹25,000, or both imprisonment and fine.

Mandatory Online Application

Agencies seeking a PSARA licence have been instructed to apply only through the official online portal: www.psara.gov.in.

Compliance requirements for licensed agencies

All PSARA-licensed agencies have been directed to strictly adhere to the following norms:

Appointment of security guards only after police verification of identity and criminal antecedents.

Collection and maintenance of valid identity documents such as Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, or Ration Card.

Employment restricted to individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.

No appointment of persons convicted of offences carrying two years or more of imprisonment, or those with criminal backgrounds.

Mandatory completion of prescribed training as stipulated under the PSARA framework.

Strict action warned

The authority has directed all agencies operating without licences to immediately regularise their status through the PSARA online portal. It warned that stringent legal action will be initiated against directors, owners, or partners of agencies found violating the law.

The notice was issued by Telangana Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Vijay Kumar, who also serves as the State Controlling Authority under the PSAR Act, 2005, underscoring the commitment of the Telangana Police to ensure regulatory compliance and public safety.