Hyderabad: In a striking real-world field experiment to assess women’s safety, the Commissioner of Police of Malkajgiri in Hyderabad, Sumathi, went undercover and stood alone at a bus stop past midnight. The unusual exercise, conducted between 12:30 AM and 3:30 AM, aimed to understand the ground reality of women’s safety on city streets without police presence or protection.
Dressed as an Ordinary Woman, Standing Alone at Midnight
As part of the exercise, the senior police officer dressed like a regular citizen and waited alone at a bus stop in Malkajgiri. There was no visible police deployment or security cover, allowing her to experience the situation exactly as an ordinary woman might.
The objective was to move beyond complaints and reports and directly observe the challenges faced by women in public spaces at night.
Read also: Who Is IPS B Sumathi? Malkajgiri’s First Woman CP Driving AI-Based Policing Reforms
Disturbing Response: 40 Men Approached in 3 Hours
Within just three hours, nearly 40 men approached her, many of them reportedly under the influence of alcohol, while some were suspected to be intoxicated with ganja.
According to officials, the individuals included:
- Young men
- Students
- Working professionals
Most were unaware that they were interacting with a senior IPS officer.
The incident highlighted concerns about street harassment and public safety during late-night hours.
Police Action: Counselling Instead of Immediate Cases
Following the exercise, police identified the individuals involved. Instead of immediately registering criminal cases, authorities chose to:
- Call them for counselling sessions
- Issue strict warnings regarding public behaviour
- Sensitise them about women’s safety and respect in public spaces
Officials stated that the focus was on corrective action and behavioural change.
Public Response and Appreciation
The initiative has received widespread appreciation from local residents, especially women, who praised the practical approach taken to understand ground realities.
Many viewed the exercise as a strong message on public responsibility and women’s safety awareness.
Not the First Such Initiative by Officer Sumathi
This is not the first time Sumathi has taken such an unconventional approach. Around 25 years ago, during her early career as a Deputy Superintendent of Police near Kazipet railway station, she had carried out a similar undercover operation to assess women’s safety.
Profile of IPS Officer Sumathi
A senior officer of the Telangana cadre, Sumathi has held several key positions, including:
- Chief of the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB)
- Key role in surrender operations of Maoist groups led by Devuji
- Commissioner of Police, Malkajgiri (appointed on May 1)
Her career has been marked by field-focused policing and operational initiatives.
Conclusion
The undercover safety assessment in Malkajgiri has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by women in urban public spaces at night. The findings of the operation underline the need for stronger behavioural enforcement, public awareness, and sustained policing efforts to ensure safer streets.
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