Women In Distress? Help Just 10 Mins Away

Q. Within GHMC limits, have police identified harassment hotspots? What measures are being taken to make such locations safer for women? -- Kiran Kumar

We have identified vulnerable and high-footfall public places as potential harassment hotspots, including bus stops, metro stations, parks, marketplaces, isolated stretches, malls, and crowded public areas. To improve women’s safety in such locations, SHE Teams are regularly deployed in plain clothes and patrolling has been strengthened. We also conduct decoy operations and surprise checks to catch offenders involved in eve-teasing, cat calling, stalking, groping, flashing, voyeurism, and obscene comments directed at women. In addition, awareness programmes are conducted regularly, and women are encouraged to report incidents for immediate counselling and legal action.

Q. In an age where AI, deepfakes, cyberstalking, revenge posting, and anonymous trolling can destroy a woman’s dignity within minutes, why are conviction rates still low and investigations often slow? -- Chada Rekha Rao

Cyber offences have become increasingly sophisticated due to rapid technological advancements, including misuse of AI tools, deepfake technology, anonymous social media accounts, and encrypted communication platforms. Such cases often involve cross-platform evidence, deleted content, fake identities, and jurisdictional challenges, making investigations technically complex and time-consuming, which can affect conviction outcomes.

Despite these challenges, we have taken proactive measures to strengthen cyber safety for women through the cyber module and the SHE Cyber Cell. Trained cyber teams work to identify offenders, support victims, guide investigating officers, and assist in prosecution. Telangana Police also have a dedicated Cyber Security Bureau to handle complex cyber frauds and advanced investigations.

Q. Rape and POCSO cases appear to be rising, but conviction rates remain poor. What steps are the police taking to improve investigation quality and ensure faster justice in such cases? -- Brig Jagjit Singh Ahuja

Women- and child-related offences are treated with utmost seriousness by the Women Safety Wing (WSW) of Telangana Police. While increased reporting reflects greater awareness and confidence in approaching law enforcement, sustained efforts are being made to ensure professional investigation, victim support, and faster trial processes.

Victims are supported, guided, counselled, and rehabilitated through Bharosa Centres, which function as integrated one-stop crisis centres for survivors of sexual assault and POCSO cases. So far, over 17,000 rape and POCSO cases have been handled through Bharosa centres across the state. The entire approach is victim-centric and aimed at making survivors feel safe and supported throughout the process.

Q. How is quick and timely help ensured for women who call in distress? On average, how long does it take for teams to reach a caller? -- M Sruthi

Telangana Police has established an integrated emergency response mechanism to ensure immediate assistance to women in distress. Emergency calls received through Dial 100/112, women safety helplines, SHE Teams, and digital platforms are closely monitored through Command and Control Centres. Once a distress call is received, the nearest patrol vehicle or police team is alerted through GPS-enabled systems, and real-time coordination is maintained with field units. In urban areas, police typically reach within 7–9 minutes, depending on traffic and location. In rural areas, response time is generally within 15 minutes.

Q. How often do police receive complaints related to workplace harassment? Can victims directly approach the police if the internal POSH committee is inactive? What challenges do women employees face while reporting workplace harassment? -- Gita Reddy

As per law, every organisation is required to establish an Internal Committee (IC) under the POSH Act to address workplace sexual harassment complaints. However, if the Internal Committee is inactive, biased, unavailable, or not functioning impartially, victims can directly approach the Sahas Help Desk under the Women Safety Wing.

The Sahas Help Desk guides complainants on complaint filing, documentation, and available legal remedies. It also supports and trains Internal Committees to improve implementation of POSH provisions. In addition, awareness programmes are conducted in educational institutions, workplaces, IT companies, industries, and public organisations on legal protections and reporting mechanisms under the POSH Act.

Q. What systems are in place to keep track of repeat offenders caught misbehaving with women in public places? -- Sudharshan Kumar

We maintain offender databases and digital records to monitor habitual offenders through SHE Teams and local police stations. SHE Teams regularly monitor hotspot locations and counsel first-time offenders caught engaging in inappropriate behaviour to encourage behavioural correction.

In cases involving repeat offenders or serious offences, police register cases and initiate stricter legal action. Information about offenders is also shared among concerned units for coordinated monitoring and preventive action. The focus is not only on enforcement but also on behavioural correction and preventive policing.

Q. There have been instances of cab drivers misbehaving with women passengers, including misuse of phone numbers. Do police take up such issues with cab aggregators? What safeguards are in place for women using app-based transport services? -- Srilekha Shanker

The Women Safety Wing (WSW) of Telangana Police has launched the Safe Mobility initiative to address harassment during travel. Whenever complaints are received regarding misbehaviour by cab drivers or misuse of passenger phone numbers, women can dial 100/112 for immediate assistance. The police control room initiates necessary action, and WSW also communicates concerns to the respective cab aggregators whenever required.

WSW has also launched the T-SAFE app, a ride-monitoring application that tracks journeys until passengers safely reach their destination.

Q. What precautions should parents take to ensure that their children do not fall prey to online harassment? -- Sravan Kumar

With the increasing use of smartphones, social media, online gaming, and digital learning platforms, children are becoming more vulnerable to cyber harassment and unsafe online interactions. Parents play an important role in ensuring children’s online safety and well-being. They should educate children about safe internet usage, privacy settings, and responsible social media behaviour. Children should be advised not to share personal information, photographs, passwords, school details, or live locations with strangers online. Parents should also immediately report objectionable content, fake profiles, or cyber harassment to cybercrime authorities or the police.

Q. Much of the organised trolling targeting women is done anonymously. Does Telangana police have mechanisms to identify anonymous trollers who harass women online? -- Sharath Chandra

Telangana Police has specialised cyber units to investigate anonymous trolling, cyber harassment, online abuse, and targeted attacks against women. The Cyber Security Bureau and Cyber Crime Police Stations handle such complaints using digital forensics, cyber intelligence tools, and lawful coordination with social media platforms and service providers. Although offenders often use fake profiles, temporary accounts, VPN services, or anonymous platforms to conceal their identity, police use technical investigation methods to trace them and initiate legal action wherever possible.

Q. Are persons from the LGBTQIA+ community approaching the helpdesk set up by the Women Safety Wing? What are the major issues they report, and how are police dealing with such complaints? -- Lakshmi K

The major issues commonly reported by persons from the LGBTQIA+ community include emotional abuse, intimidation, social exclusion, domestic violence, workplace discrimination, blackmail, threats, extortion, and misuse of personal photographs or social media accounts.

Such complaints are handled in a sensitive, confidential, and victim-centric manner. Necessary legal action is initiated wherever cognisable offences are involved. Counselling, psychological support, and guidance are also extended through support services and coordination with concerned stakeholders.

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Why women hesitate to report workplace harassment

Fear of social stigma or professional retaliation.

Concern over loss of employment or impact on career growth.

Lack of awareness about legal rights and complaint mechanisms.

Emotional stress and fear of not being believed.

Inability to distinguish between work/performance related pressures and genuine sexual harassment at workplace.

Pressure from colleagues or management to remain silent.

Quote: We ensure complete confidentiality, victim-sensitive handling, and legal assistance while dealing with complaints related to workplace harassment

How to approach the women safety wing?

Helpline: 100/112

SHE Cyber Cell: 87126 56858, 87126 56856

Social media handles