40 students of Koti women’s college receive suspicious calls, Sultan Bazar cops launch probe

Hyderabad: More than 40 students of Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University (VCIWU), Koti (formerly Osmania University Women’s College) received suspicious calls and possible phone hacking attempts.

How the Case Came to Light

The incident first came to notice when several students approached the Sultan Bazaar police, stating that they had received unusual calls from unknown numbers. Callers allegedly asked about personal details such as attendance, health conditions, and even claimed that a health check-up was being organised in collaboration with the university.

Parallelly, some students reported that their mobile phones had been compromised. Allegations include unauthorised access to personal data, chats, and media files.

What the Police Are Saying

K. Narasimha, officer at Sultan Bazaar Police station, speaking to NewsMeter, said, “Around 40 students have reported suspicious activity on their phones. We are verifying if phishing links or malicious applications were used. As of now, there is no evidence that money has been siphoned off from any student or from the institution.”

“We are analysing the digital trail to understand whether this is an isolated incident or part of a larger organised scam. The angle of blackmail is also being looked into, but it cannot be confirmed until the investigation progresses.” He added.

Possible Data Breach

Initial inquiries suggest that fraudsters may have gained access not only to student phones but also to some part of university records. This has raised concern over whether students were targeted randomly or through leaked institutional data.

Police are working with cyber forensics teams to trace how the alleged breach occurred.

Student Response

The incident has caused anxiety among students, with many fearing misuse of personal information. A third-year student, who did not wish to be named, said:

“We were scared when we realised our private chats and photos could be seen by strangers. Many of us immediately filed complaints.”

What Comes Next

Investigators are now examining whether the calls and phone hacks are linked or separate attempts. While phishing remains the prime suspect, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a coordinated scam targeting students through university-linked data.

Police have advised students to avoid clicking on unknown links, installing unverified applications, or sharing personal details with strangers over the phone.

Larger Context

Cybercrime cases involving students and educational institutions have risen in recent years, often exploiting gaps in awareness and digital security. This case highlights the need for stronger safeguards around student data and greater cyber safety awareness on campuses.