Responding to queries from TOI readers, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar says they will soon use advanced technologies to check violations and generate challans. He also said they have strengthened their response to online fraud and intensified enforcement to curb drug menaceQ. When can we expect an AI-controlled traffic monitoring and control system in Hyderabad? — CS BansalTraffic signals in Hyderabad are installed and managed by civic authorities, who are in the process of floating a new tender that will incorporate advanced technologies, including AI-based systems. On the enforcement side, a pilot project integrating AI for violation validation and challan generation has been conducted at the MJ Market junction, with encouraging results. Tenders have also been floated for procuring advanced electronic enforcement equipment, and the upgraded system is expected to be implemented in the near future.Q. Erratic and reckless parking on roads and in marketplaces continues to block traffic and cause snarls. Footpath encroachments by vendors add to the problem. Why are the police unable to curb these issues? — VVV SatyanarayanaTemporary encroachments and wrongful parking are being tackled through a special enforcement drive titled “ROPE – Removal of Obstructive Parking and Encroachments,” conducted regularly by the Hyderabad Traffic Police. Permanent encroachments fall within the jurisdiction of civic authorities; however, coordinated joint drives are undertaken to ensure smoother traffic flow and the systematic removal of such obstructions.Q. Are the police taking measures to instil lane-driving discipline among road users? — Ravi KThe certainty of punishment is expected to drive behavioural change among road users. The electronic enforcement system in the city is being comprehensively upgraded to strengthen compliance and encourage lane discipline. However, effective implementation of strict lane discipline requires uniform road stretches, which are limited in several parts of the city. The Hyderabad Traffic Police plans to introduce lane-discipline enforcement on select suitable stretches on a pilot basis before expanding it citywide.Q. Illegal late-night bike racing and modified silencers causing extreme noise on flyovers and main roads are a growing concern. What enforcement steps are being taken to curb these violations and penalise repeat offenders? — Gangadhar KOver-speeding, a major contributor to road accidents, is being strictly monitored using speed laser guns, particularly in vulnerable and speed-prone stretches. Identified hotspots for bike racing are subjected to intensified enforcement and speed-calming measures. Noise pollution caused by illegally modified silencers is addressed firmly, with such silencers being seized and destroyed. Sustained enforcement efforts are being continued to promote responsible and socially desirable behaviour among commuters.Q. Wrong-side driving by two-wheelers and autos continues even on busy roads and flyovers, increasing accident risks. What enforcement measures are being taken to curb this, and are there plans for stricter penalties or camera-based detection? — Naveen KumarWrong-side driving is a life-threatening violation. Last week, the Hyderabad Traffic Police conducted a special enforcement drive and booked 21,713 cases against offenders. In addition to penal action, violators are also required to attend compulsory counselling sessions. We have identified hotspots where wrong-side driving is rampant, and an exclusive electronic enforcement system for detecting wrong-side driving automatically is being installed in those places.Q. I have been targeted by cyber fraudsters frequently over the past 4–5 years. Recently, the total security software I use warned me that my information is available on the darknet. How can I erase my information from the darknet? — Krishna Kumari ChallaCompletely erasing personal information from the dark web is extremely difficult. Once data is leaked in a breach, it can be copied, sold, and circulated repeatedly. However, you can minimise the risk of misuse by taking immediate and sustained precautions. Start by checking what information about you is publicly available. Search your name, email ID, and phone number online to see what is exposed. If your details appear on websites, request removal directly from those platforms. Immediately secure all your accounts. Avoid reusing passwords across platforms. Enable transaction alerts on banking apps so that you are instantly notified of any suspicious activity.Q. What measures are being taken to protect citizens from online fraud? What is being done when the accused operate from outside India? — Mangalampalli Satya Mohan SinghLaw enforcement agencies have strengthened their response to the growing threat of online fraud through a combination of rapid reporting systems, coordination with banks, and specialised cyber policing units. Victims of financial cyber fraud are advised to immediately call 1930, which operates round the clock and is designed to enable action during the crucial “golden hour.” In cases where accused persons operate from other states or outside India, strong inter-state coordination mechanisms are activated. Look Out Circulars (LOCs) are also issued against identified suspects to facilitate their apprehension if they attempt to enter or leave the country. In cross-border cases, further legal processes are initiated as per established procedures.Q. Online scams involving fake investment platforms, trading apps, phishing links, and digital arrest threats are increasing. What should citizens do immediately after realising they’ve been defrauded? — Krishna KarthikThe first one to three hours after discovering an online fraud are extremely critical and are often called the “golden hours.” The faster the incident is reported, the higher the chances of freezing the transaction before the money is moved through multiple accounts. Victims should immediately call the emergency helpline 1930 and register a complaint. At the same time, they must inform their bank and request that the suspicious transaction be frozen.Q. Senior citizens living alone are increasingly vulnerable to cyber fraud, theft, and emergency situations. Does the police department have any registration, monitoring, or outreach programme to support and protect elderly residents? — Keerthana ReddyYes, we have launched several outreach and awareness initiatives to protect senior citizens, including campaigns such as ‘Jagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad,’ aimed at strengthening public awareness against cyber fraud. Regular door-to-door cyber awareness programmes are conducted every Tuesday and Saturday to educate residents. In addition, WhatsApp-based community policing groups share real-time alerts. Senior citizens are advised never to share OTPs, ATM PINs, banking credentials, or personal passwords. They should avoid installing APK files from unknown sources, refrain from clicking on suspicious links, and stay away from unknown investment schemes promising high returns. Family members should remain actively involved.Q. With the rise in investment scams, trading app frauds, and fake loan apps, what specific steps are the police taking to track organised cybercrime networks targeting Hyderabad residents? How can citizens verify whether an app or investment scheme is genuine? — Suresh MPolice regularly identify and block fake websites and mobile applications used to lure victims. Dedicated cyber teams track digital footprints, trace money trails, and apprehend fraudsters involved in such rackets. Mule bank accounts used to park or route stolen funds are swiftly frozen to prevent further diversion. Citizens, on their part, must exercise caution before investing or downloading financial apps. They should verify whether the company is registered with regulatory bodies such as the RBI or SEBI. Searching the company’s name online along with keywords like “fraud” or “complaint” can often reveal warning signs. Apps promising guaranteed or unusually high returns should be treated as a red flag. Multiple bank accounts being used to collect deposits is another warning sign.Q. What sustained enforcement and awareness measures are being taken to curb drug supply in Hyderabad, especially around colleges, IT companies, and nightlife zones? — Vikranth KumarThe Hyderabad City Police strategy combines continuous awareness initiatives with strict enforcement action to address both demand and supply. On the prevention front, regular anti-drug awareness programmes are being conducted in schools, colleges, and identified vulnerable communities. Simultaneously, enforcement has been intensified. Surveillance is maintained on known offenders through intelligence gathering and technical monitoring. Frequent inspections are carried out at pubs, bars, and restaurants to deter drug use. Strict action is also taken against foreign nationals found indulging in drug peddling; so far, around 40 such individuals have been deported and permanently blacklisted from entering India.Q. What measures are in place to ensure the safety of women travelling late at night in cabs, autos, and public areas? How quickly do emergency alerts get a police response, and are there plans to strengthen night patrols in vulnerable stretches? — Srujana RaoHyderabad City Police SHE Teams operate round the clock, with focused patrols at vulnerable locations such as bus stands and railway stations. To make reporting easier during travel, SHE Teams QR codes have been displayed on autorickshaws and in public spaces, enabling commuters to quickly report any incident. The average response time for Dial 100 calls is about five minutes. In cases where there is any delay in reaching the spot, the matter is reviewed the following day, and corrective measures are taken immediately to ensure improved response efficiency.Q. Transgenders sometimes create a nuisance at functions — marriages, housewarmings, etc., by demanding money and obstructing rituals. Can this extortion be stopped? How many such complaints have been received? — Prasad RaoIn 2025, a total of five such cases of alleged extortion were reported. Such incidents can be effectively addressed not only through enforcement but also by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities exclusively for transgender persons. The Telangana government has taken proactive steps in this direction, particularly through Hyderabad City Police, by engaging members of the transgender community as traffic marshals. Efforts are also being made to explore employment avenues such as cab driving and other dignified professions to provide stable income sources.Q. How should parents respond if a child is being sextorted online? What immediate steps should they take, and whom should they contact? — Nagarajamani MVIf a child is being sextorted online, parents should remain calm and reassure the child that they are not at fault. Avoid blaming or panicking, and do not pay or negotiate with the offender. Immediately preserve evidence such as screenshots of chats, profiles, URLs, and payment demands. Block and report the offender on the platform. File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) under “Women/Child Related Crime” or call the cyber helpline at 1930. You may also approach the nearest police station or cybercrime unit, as offences involving minors attract provisions of the POCSO Act.Q. With the rise of AI-generated deep fakes, is the Hyderabad Cyber Lab equipped with AI-forensic tools to detect such content for legal prosecution? — Yogesh IngoleAt present, there is no dedicated or publicly confirmed specialised AI-forensic tool exclusively deployed at the Hyderabad Cyber Lab for independent deep fake detection in all cases. However, suspected deep fake content is examined using standard digital forensic techniques, expert analysis, and, where necessary, coordination with technical experts to support investigation and legal prosecution.Q. Many victims of digital blackmail do not come forward due to fear of social stigma. Does Hyderabad Police offer confidential counselling or guidance for victims of digital blackmail who are hesitant to file an FIR?Yes. Hyderabad City Police follows a victim-centric approach and handles complaints with sensitivity and confidentiality. Units such as SHE Teams assist victims of online harassment and can provide guidance and counselling, particularly for women, even before formal legal action progresses. Victims may also seek discreet guidance through the cyber helpline 1930 or the online portal, where officials can advise on next steps while protecting privacy and dignity.Q. Hyderabad police data indicates that digital blackmail was the most common complaint in 2025. What is the disposal rate for such complaints, and what is the average time taken to apprehend offenders? What percentage of victims recover their money? — I RanviraajWhile 366 digital blackmail complaints were reported in 2025, detailed figures on case-specific disposal rates and the average time taken to apprehend offenders have not been publicly disclosed. As per available data, 354 cases were registered in 2024 and 88 cases in 2025 (till date). During this period, a total of 51 persons were arrested in 2024 and 32 persons in 2025. Cybercrime enforcement in Telangana has seen strengthened response mechanisms and increased investigative efforts. Approximately 16% of defrauded amounts across cybercrime categories were frozen or recovered.Q. My sister, a retired doctor, is a victim of digital blackmail and lost Rs. 2 crore. It has been eight months since we filed a complaint, but we have received no update. What support can victims expect in long-pending digital blackmail cases? — KS RajagopalVictims in long-pending cases can approach the concerned investigating officer or cybercrime police station for status updates, submit additional information, if available, and seek assistance through supervisory officers. Support may include continued investigation, coordination with banks and intermediaries for fund tracing, legal guidance, and counselling where required. Kindly share the crime number if the case is registered with Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad, so that the status can be verified and appropriate assistance provided.Q. I sold my scooter about a year ago and handed over the RC after the buyer gave a written note promising to transfer ownership. The vehicle is still in my name, and the person is not responding. What options do I have now?The transfer of ownership is the responsibility of the registered owner. Ideally, the vehicle should be handed over to the purchaser only after completing the ownership transfer at the RTA office. However, you may submit a written representation to us with the relevant details. If our field officers trace the vehicle during routine checks, you will be informed for further necessary action.Q. Why has on-ground traffic regulation by traffic police reduced significantly, with personnel largely confined to signal monitoring and camera-based enforcement instead of active traffic management?Both contact and non-contact enforcement are generally undertaken during non-peak hours to avoid inconvenience to commuters. Nearly 90% of the Traffic Police force is deployed for on-ground traffic regulation and management duties to ensure smooth vehicular movement across the city.Q. Many residents complain about illegal pubs, hookah centres, or late-night establishments violating closing hours and causing noise and safety concerns in residential areas. How is the police monitoring compliance? — Sneha RPubs operating with a valid licence from the excise department must possess the “entertainment-cum-amusement licence” from the city police to ensure adherence to various safety norms as well as noise rules. Any pub operating beyond prescribed timings (up to 12 am from Sunday to Thursday and up to 1 am on Friday and Saturday) or causing public inconvenience faces legal action, and if they habitually indulge in such violations, their licence would be cancelled. Citizens can report any such violations to HCP through Dial 100 or WhatsApp on +91 94906 16555. Further, the operation of any hookah parlours would be illegal, and citizens can report this to us. All shops and establishments serving food and beverages (except liquor licence shops) can operate up to 1 am throughout the year. During the Ramzan month, this has been extended to 24 hours.
