Mobile phones, gold chains stolen during Hyderabad's Balkampet temple festival; 15 cases reported in 12 hours

HYDERABAD: Miscreants took advantage of the large crowds at the Balkampet Yellamma temple festival and kalyanotsavam on Tuesday, with more than 15 thefts reported in under 12 hours. The stolen items included mobile phones, gold chains, and purses-most of them belonging to women.Despite police deploying 600 personnel and installing 100 CCTV cameras for round-the-clock surveillance, several thefts occurred during the event. Additional security measures included the deployment of officers from the task force, central crime station, Special Branch (in plain clothes), and Armed Reserve to ensure the safety of devotees.According to Hyderabad police, at least 10 women lost their mobile phones, while several others lost jewellery. A couple from Ameenpur reported the theft of a three-tola gold chain, a ride-sharing app employee lost his mobile phone, while a retired RTC employee reported the theft of his gold chain and purse.Special teams have been put on high alert to prevent further incidents, a senior police official said.