Allegations of excessive force by Hyderabad Police in Old City spark outrage

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad City Police, already facing severe criticism for rising crime incidents, especially murders, have come under fire for allegedly using excessive force in the Old City. Accusations have surfaced that the police are targeting minority-concentrated and low-income neighbourhoods.

A video of Inspector Durga Prasad from Moghalpura Police Station ruthlessly lathi-charging people standing outside their houses or in public places late at night has gone viral on social media. Earlier, another video went viral in which a police officer announced through a vehicle, "No more friendly police. Only lathi-charge police."

Residents claim that by beating common youth who are standing near their homes late at night, Hyderabad Police is enforcing an undeclared curfew. Similar incidents of police beatings were witnessed during the Covid lockdown and riots.

Hyderabad Police has been accused of discriminating against Old City youth through measures like the 'Chabutra Mission,' wherein they used to detain youth standing near their houses or roaming the streets late at night. The detained youths were released after counselling, but the entire incident was filmed and released to the media, causing embarrassment.

While measures to control law and order and prevent crime are generally welcomed, netizens have condemned actions that tarnish the dignity of poor youth or target specific communities. Additionally, 'Cordon and Search' operations have been conducted only in small bastis and slum areas, with police even entering houses without permission. Critics question why such operations are not undertaken in posh areas like Banjara Hills or Jubilee Hills.

The perceived disparity in police actions between affluent areas and minority neighbourhoods has raised questions and concerns about the motives behind these operations.