During the recent Bonalu and Moharram festivals in Hyderabad, the city police’s SHE Teams caught 478 people for misbehaving with women at major temples across the city.

The police said that the action was part of a special drive during celebrations at places like Golconda Bonalu, Balkampet Yellamma Temple, and Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahankali Temple. Among those caught, 386 were adults and 92 were minors.

To make sure women stayed safe during the festivals, 14 SHE Teams were placed at busy temple areas. These teams worked to prevent and respond to any cases of harassment or misbehaviour. According to the Women Safety Wing, 288 people were let off with warnings, while four were booked in petty cases and fined a total of Rs 1,050. In five cases, the court gave convictions, with one person receiving both a jail sentence and a fine. Police also registered eight FIRs at various police stations.

Besides taking action, SHE Teams also worked to spread awareness. They held 124 awareness programs in schools, colleges, and public places. They also did 1,405 checks at public spots and 352 mobile awareness drives using AV vans.

The Telangana government launched the SHE Team initiative on October 24, 2014, to ensure women's safety. As per the Hyderabad police, SHE Teams keep watch over the city round the clock, identifying hotspots and peak hours where offenders are likely to target unsuspecting women.

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