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Hyderabad: A bold and unusual operation undertaken by a woman IPS officer from Hyderabad has exposed how insecure women are at night, even at urban centres.

Sumathi, the Commissioner of Police of Malkajgiri, Hyderabad, stood alone on the city streets past midnight to understand the safety challenges women face on city streets. She was dressed as an ordinary woman and had no police escort.

While standing at a bus stop between 12.30 am and 3.30 am, she was approached by nearly 40 men. Many of them appeared drunk, while some others were suspected to be under the influence of ganja.

The men, mostly young and including students and employees, were unaware that they were speaking to a senior police officer, as reported by NDTV.

The exercise was aimed at understanding real ground conditions rather than relying only on complaints or reports, officials said. The individuals who approached the CP were identified. Instead of immediately filing cases, the police called them for counselling sessions and issued strict warnings about their behaviour towards women in public places.

The move has been widely appreciated by residents, particularly women.

Around 25 years ago, Sumathi had carried out a similar exercise while posted as a DSP near Kazipet railway station.

A senior IPS officer of the Telangana cadre, Sumathi has also served as chief of the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB). She played a crucial role in the surrender of several top Maoists led by Devuji and others.

She took charge as the Commissioner of Police, Malkajgiri on May 1.