HYDERABAD: Hyderabad police have identified 2,935 miscreants for harassing women during the Ganesh Navaratri celebrations, which were held across the city from September 14 to 26. The festivities were observed with great devotion and grandeur, but some miscreants polluted the spiritual atmosphere by behaving indecently towards women at several places in the city. Police have taken action against them, and officials said steps were taken to ensure that the offenders are punished.
To prevent harassment, eve-teasing and other difficulties for women and young girls, police had put special surveillance in place. She Teams were deployed in large numbers, particularly at the Khairatabad and Balapur Ganesh pandals, which draw huge crowds of devotees. During the special checks and surveillance conducted from September 14 to 26, 2,935 miscreants were caught by the She Teams. Police said some of them were counselled, warned and let off, while cases were registered against others and steps were taken to ensure they are punished.
Police said 858 people who behaved inappropriately with women during the festival were given special counselling, seriously warned and then released. Of those found misbehaving with women, 69 were taken into custody and punished. Among them, 24 were fined Rs 1,050 each, while 40 were ordered to perform community service in addition to paying a fine of Rs 1,050. Five others, whose behaviour was found to be more indecent, were sentenced to jail terms along with fines.
Police made it clear that young people should observe festivals with devotion and that harassing women is unacceptable. They also warned that those who indulge in such acts will not be spared.