With Eid-ul-Fitr coming up on Saturday, people are busy shopping and the police are concerned about pickpockets and other criminals. The police have formed teams to tackle these issues in the markets, particularly in Old City areas. Mobile phone and gold chain thefts and pocket picking are common crimes reported during Ramzan shopping. The gangs that commit these crimes are often made up of women and children, who prey on unsuspecting shoppers, especially women, in areas like Charminar, Lad Bazaar, Pathergatti, Madina market among others.
To stop these crimes from happening, the police have formed special teams comprising of local police stations and Central Crime Station (CCS) sleuths to keep an eye on offenders. SHE teams are also being used to curb incidents of eve-teasing. Mufti policemen, including women officers, have been deployed in the markets to foil attempts by pickpockets. Police are also asking women to be cautious by keeping their handbags, purses, and mobile phones safe. Caution sign boards have been put up in various places asking them not to keep their bags on cash counters as attention diversion gangs may target them.
Police are also spreading awareness in the markets about exercising caution while shopping. Officers in plain clothes have been deputed in crowded market areas, and the police are watchful and ready to nab any offenders. The Karwan market, Kishan Bagh market, Golconda Bazaar, Hafeez Baba Nagar market, Vattepally market, Musheerabad market, Tolichowki market have been identified for posting pickets.
Local police along with Rapid Action Force (RAF) will conduct flag marches across several routes including sensitive ones to maintain law and order during the Ramzan Festival. Tight security arrangements have been made in the city by the police in view of important religious events Shab-e-Qadr, followed by Jumat-ul-wida and weekend the Eid-ul-Fitr. The city police, along with RAF, also conduct area domination marches to help familiarize themselves with the area topography and to instantly respond actively in emergency situations. The flag march was conducted in Mir chowk, Rein Bazar, Bhavani Nagar, Falaknuma, Farooq Nagar and several other sensitive locations with the purpose of instilling a safe and secure feeling among the public. About 100 RAF personnel took part in the flag march that passed through different areas.
