The Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS) Special Crime Team detained 116 suspects as part of intensified crime prevention measures during the Lal Darwaza Bonalu celebrations held on August 9 and 10, 2026.
Hyderabad Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes & SIT) M. Srinivas, IPS, said special crime teams were deployed around the festival area to prevent property related offences and ensure the safety and security of devotees and the public.
As part of the security arrangements, police conducted extensive surveillance, searches and checks on suspicious persons in and around the festival premises. Officers also monitored the movements of individuals with previous criminal records and those suspected of involvement in property related offences.
Special surveillance was maintained at major entry and exit points, crowded locations and other crime prone areas. Police focused particularly on preventing theft, chain snatching, pickpocketing and other property related crimes that can occur in heavily crowded festival locations.
According to the Additional CP, the Special Crime Team took 116 suspects into custody and conducted detailed verification and questioning as a precautionary measure. Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras installed at the festival premises helped police identify eight individuals with previous criminal histories.
The eight identified persons were subsequently handed over to the concerned local police stations for further legal action, police said.
The coordinated efforts of the CCS Special Crime Team and local police helped maintain law and order throughout the celebrations. Police said no incidents of mobile phone theft, chain theft or chain snatching were reported within the festival premises during the celebrations.
Additional CP M. Srinivas appreciated the cooperation of devotees and members of the public in ensuring the celebrations were conducted peacefully.
Hyderabad City Police have also appealed to citizens to remain alert in crowded places, safeguard their valuables and immediately inform the police if they notice any suspicious activity.
The police said continued surveillance and public cooperation remain crucial for preventing crimes during major religious festivals and other large public gatherings.
