Savdhaan Hyderabad: Home Minister Mahmood Ali asks DGP, CPs to keep eye on troublemakers

Hyderabad: Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali directed DGP and Commissioners of Police to intensify surveillance and keep an eye on `rowdy sheeters and troublemakers who are involved in various criminal activities.

Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Minister for Home, chaired a meeting to deliberate on the surge of crimes and murders within the Tri-Police Commissionerates of Hyderabad, Rachakonda, and Cyberabad.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary of Home, the Director General of Police (DGP), the Additional Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Commissioners of Police, and other relevant officials.

The Home Minister acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Telangana Police in ensuring efficient policing, maintaining law and order, and reducing crime rates. He highlighted the successful implementation of innovative citizen-centric schemes and reforms that have garnered nationwide recognition.

However, recent trends have indicated a rise in land-related crimes and the spread of false information on WhatsApp, especially in Barkas, Chandrayangutta, Pahadisheerif, and Bandlaguda. The minister also expressed concern over the activities of known troublemakers.

During the meeting, the Home Minister directed the DGP and Commissioners of Police to intensify their surveillance of these troublemakers, particularly `Rowdy Sheeters’ who are involved in various criminal activities. He stressed the importance of constant monitoring of activities near prominent construction sites, like flyovers, bridges, and schools. The goal is to prevent activities such as alcohol consumption, drug use, and other illegal behaviors that disturb public peace.

Additionally, Mahmood Ali emphasized the need for strict adherence to prescribed operating hours for Function Halls, Hotels, Gyms, and Pan-Shops, particularly within the Old City of Hyderabad. This move aims to regulate activities around these establishments and maintain the safety of the community.

The Home Minister expressed concern about the rampant circulation of provocative messages on platforms like WhatsApp and other social media, leading to false narratives and negatively impacting the efficiency of the Police Department. While affirming the police force's friendly approach towards law-abiding citizens, he warned of stringent actions against antisocial elements and rowdy individuals engaged in criminal activities. The Preventions of Dangerous Activities (PD) Act might be invoked against them in severe cases.

Mohammed Mahmood Ali called upon the residents, particularly those in the Old City, to exercise caution regarding the dissemination of false information and misinformation through social media platforms by antisocial elements and groups. He appealed for cooperation with the police in fulfilling their duty to ensure the safety and security of the populace.

Notable attendees at the meeting included Principal Secretary of Home, Jithender; Director General of Police, Anjani Kumar; Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, C.V. Anand; Additional Director General of CID, Mahesh Bhagwat; Commissioners of Police for Rachakonda and Cyberabad, D.S. Chouhan and Stephen Ravindra; Additional Commissioner of Police for Law and Order, Hyderabad, Vikram Singh Mann; Joint Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, Dr. Gajarao Bhopal; Deputy Commissioner of Police for South-East Zone, Hyderabad, Rupesh; Deputy Commissioner of Police for South-West Zone, Hyderabad, Kiran Khare; and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police for South Zone, Hyderabad, Jahangir.