Hyderabad: Rachakonda police explore Hijra inclusion in traffic policing after recent incidents

Hyderabad: Taking a cue from the Hyderabad Traffic Police’s inclusive policing model, the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate has proposed deploying members of the Hijra community as traffic assistants, blending enforcement with rehabilitation to address recent public order concerns while promoting social integration.

Model inspired by Hyderabad Traffic Police

The Rachakonda Police initiative follows an earlier experiment by the Hyderabad Traffic Police, which in December 2024 recruited 44 transgender persons as traffic assistants after conducting physical tests and selection programmes.

That recruitment was undertaken pursuant to directions issued by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, marking the first such inclusion drive within the Traffic Police Department.

Officials said the Rachakonda Commissionerate sees the Hyderabad model as a practical balance between inclusion and public service delivery.

Reform-oriented policing framework

Rachakonda Commissioner of Police G Sudheer Babu said the proposal is rooted in a reformative policing philosophy. By providing structured engagement and lawful employment, the police aim to address social marginalisation while discouraging unlawful activities.

The initiative, he said, is designed to integrate marginalised groups into mainstream civic roles through dignified and disciplined work environments.

Incidents trigger policy review

The decision comes in the wake of recent cases registered against certain individuals from the hijra community for allegedly attacking a homeowner of a newly constructed house within the Medchal Commissionerate limits.

These incidents prompted the police to reassess existing approaches and adopt a strategy combining enforcement with corrective and rehabilitative measures.

No stereotyping of any community

Emphasising a balanced outlook, the Commissioner cautioned against viewing the hijra community through a single lens.

“Crimes are reported across all sections of society and among all genders. Social insecurity or marginalisation should not translate into criminal behaviour,” he said, underlining the need for sensitivity alongside accountability.

Firm action against repeat offenders

While stressing the reformative intent, Sudheer Babu made it clear that the police would act decisively against repeat offenders.

He noted that, in the past, a few cases had involved serious crimes such as robbery and murder, and asserted that such offences would be dealt with strictly and without discrimination.

Enforcement with inclusion and sensitivity

“The proposed deployment as traffic assistants reflects a broader commitment to professional policing, one that ensures public safety through firm enforcement while simultaneously advancing rehabilitation, inclusion and social harmony,” the Rachakonda CP said, after unveiling the Annual Crime Report-2025 of the Commissionerate recently.

Hyderabad police warn transgender community against extortion at social events

A few days ago, Hyderabad police held a meeting with members of the transgender community following public complaints of nuisance and alleged extortion during social functions.

Complaints at ceremonies

Police said complaints were received about money being demanded at marriages, house-warming ceremonies and other occasions in the guise of blessings, causing inconvenience and fear among the public.

Identity concerns flagged

Some members of the community raised concerns over the inability to distinguish local residents from outsiders due to the lack of identity cards and sought issuance of proper identification.

Police warning

Police advised the community against intimidation or extortion in any form and warned that continued violations would attract criminal action as per law.