Hyderabad IPS officer goes undercover to expose late-night safety risks for women

A senior police officer in Hyderabad carried out an unusual late-night operation to test women’s safety. V Sumathi, an IPS officer of the Telangana cadre, posed as an ordinary woman at a bus stop between 12:30 AM and 3:30 AM. The men who approached her had no idea she was a high-ranking official leading the mission. Sumathi stood alone at the bus stop without any visible police presence. Over three hours, nearly 40 men approached her, many appearing drunk or under the influence of ganja. Hidden police teams observed their behaviour and intervened when necessary.

Those acting suspiciously or harassing women commuters were detained on the spot. However, no formal cases were filed against them. Instead, officers counselled the men and issued warnings about their conduct. The operation aimed to expose security gaps in late-night public transport areas. It also sought to raise awareness about the risks women face while travelling alone after dark. Sumathi has conducted similar missions before, including one near Kazipet railway station early in her career. Before leading the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), she played a key role in the surrender of several top Maoists, including Devuji and his associates. Her experience in undercover work and high-profile operations informed this latest effort.

The operation highlighted vulnerabilities in night-time safety for women. Police teams detained and counselled men who acted inappropriately, though no legal action was taken. Sumathi’s findings will likely shape future measures to improve security in Hyderabad’s public transport zones.