Hyderabad: In a bizarre incident that has taken the internet by storm, a heavily intoxicated biker was caught by the police in Hyderabad last night during a routine drunk-driving check. The breathalyzer reading left the officers astonished, registering an unprecedented 550 mg/100ml, far exceeding the permissible limit.

The man riding the bike with the number plate, TS09EK3617, was stopped near Vengalarao Park at 10.50 pm last night.

The police seized his bike and filed a case, leaving social media abuzz with comments like, “How much have you drunk, bro?” The incident quickly became a talking point on social media, with netizens reacting with humor and disbelief.

The Hyderabad police reported a surge in drink-and-drive violations on New Year’s Eve celebrations with young adults aged between 21 and 30 years accounting for the majority of the cases.

Two-wheelers lead drink-and-drive cases in Hyderabad’s Rachakonda: Police

The majority of drink-and-drive cases involved two-wheelers, accounting for 526 out of the 619 cases reported. Additionally, 64 offenders were driving four-wheelers, while 26 were operating three-wheelers.

Only three cases involved lorries or trucks under Hyderabad’s Rachakonda, said the police. Notably, no females were involved in any of the cases across all vehicle types.

The Rachakonda traffic police, as part of a city-wide crackdown on drunk driving, set up checkpoints to curb violations. Young adults emerged as the most frequent offenders, emphasizing the need for targeted awareness campaigns.

Young adults majority offenders of drink and drive law

The age-wise breakdown of drink-and-drive offenders in Hyderabad’s Rachakonda revealed that the highest number of offenders, 262, were aged between 21 and 30 years, followed by 201 cases involving individuals aged 31 to 40 years.

The police further added that under the commissionerate in Hyderabad, 41 to 50 age group accounted for 109 cases, while 30 offenders were aged between 51 and 60 years, and 3 were aged between 61 and 70 years. Only 12 cases were reported among those aged 18 to 20, and minors accounted for just 2 cases.

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Hyderabad: Chaos unfolded outside restaurants in Hyderabad’s LB Nagar and Secunderabad on New Year’s Eve as customers and delivery agents brawled over people’s beloved biryani, transforming festive cheer into havoc. As people lined up for the iconic dish, tensions escalated between food delivery personnel and those waiting to order directly from restaurants.

The dispute ignited when delivery drivers attempted to prioritise their orders, pushing ahead of those waiting in line. The brawl that began as a verbal exchange spiralled into a physical altercation, with fists flying during the frenzy for biryani. The Hyderabad restaurants, known for their delicious biryani, were forced to temporarily halt services on New Year’s Eve as staff struggled to restore order.

The incident reportedly took place outside Mehfil restaurant in Hyderabad.

The chaos over biryani is not surprising, considering Hyderabad’s love for biryani and the dish consistently topping food ordering trends.

Hyderabad’s love for biryani!

According to Swiggy’s year-end report for 2024, biryani emerged as the most popular dish on the platform, with an astounding 83 million orders recorded nationwide. Hyderabad led the charge with 9.7 million orders, showcasing Biryani’s enduring appeal among locals.

As midnight approached on New Year’s Eve, the demand for biryani surged in Hyderabad with many celebrating 2025 by indulging in this culinary favourite. Swiggy noted that chicken biryani was particularly favoured, accounting for 49 million orders in 2024 alone. The report also revealed that during Ramadan 2024, over a million plates of biryani were ordered in Hyderabad alone.

Biryani’s popularity extends beyond regular meal times; it ranked as the second-most ordered dish for late-night cravings between midnight and 2 am, just behind chicken burgers.

In the aftermath of the brawl, local authorities are investigating the incident and have promised improved crowd management strategies for future celebrations and managing crowds during peak hours.

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Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police witnessed a surge in drunk driving cases during New Year’s Eve with 1,415 cases booked followed by 839 in Cyberabad and 619 in Rachakonda.

During one such check, Hyderabad police apprehended a heavily intoxicated biker whose breathalyzer reading shocked officers at an astounding 550 mg/100 ml, far above the legal limit. The biker’s vehicle was seized, and a case was registered sparking a wave of reactions on social media.

The police emphasized the dangers of drunk driving pointing out that alcohol impairs vision, reduces caution, and encourages risky behaviour all of which can lead to accidents, often with fatal consequences.

Cyberabad records 839 drunk driving cases

In Cyberabad, out of a total of 839 drunk driving cases, two-wheeler drivers accounted for the majority with 685 cases, followed by 131 involving four-wheelers, 18 for three-wheelers, and 5 against heavy vehicles.

Among the offenders, 366 individuals had blood alcohol levels exceeding 100 mg/100 ml, 24 exceeded 300 mg/100 ml and 4 surpassed 500 mg/100 ml. Most cases were reported from areas including RC Puram, Madhapur, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Narsingi, Alwal, Jeedimetla, and Medchal.

Hyderabad’s Rachakonda police record 619 cases

In Hyderabad’s Rachakonda, most drink-and-drive cases involved two-wheelers, accounting for 526 out of the 619 cases reported, said the police. Additionally, 64 offenders were driving four-wheelers while 26 were operating three-wheelers.

Notably, the highest number of cases were reported in the Malajgiri division and LB Nagar with no females involved in any of the incidents across all vehicle types.

Police reports from Hyderabad’s Rachakonda note that most drink-and-drive offenders were aged 21-30, followed by 201 cases in the 31-40 age group.

Drunk driving is a punishable offence under Section 185 of the MV Act, with penalties including a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenders face the suspension of their driving licenses for a minimum of three months or permanently.

Further, the Hyderabad police urged motorists to avoid driving under the influence and to consider alternatives such as public transport, cabs, auto rickshaws, or bike taxis for a safer journey home.

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Hyderabad: The New Year Celebrations held at the Uppal Municipal Stadium left piles of trash including food, plastic, and waste in and around the venue. The Biggest Open Air New Year’s Eve 2025 event conducted by a private event management firm in Hyderabad, left the presses of the Uppal municipal stadium in shambles for morning walkers on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Local residents were displeased to see beer cans empty bottles, food waste scattered around, and a foul smell in the area.

Residents reportedly blamed the event management company for not cleaning up the venue and leaving it to the public to deal with it after the event. The new year party hosted by ‘Thrive Events’, featured an alcohol counter, which had permission from local authorities.

The scenes of garbage everywhere around the venue show a lack of civic sense and the authorities’ failure to ensure that the event organisers are also accountable for the cleanup after an event for which they charge money for entries, the concerned locals said.

Hyderabadis welcomed the new year with parties, alcohol and most importantly biryani.

While the overwhelming biryani orders in the city led to brawls outside restaurants, several partygoers were rid of their hangovers after the police charged them with drunken driving.

A man in Hyderabad took his excitement for the new year’s to the next level with an alcohol consumption that reflected an unprecedented 550 mg/100ml, far exceeding the permissible limit on the breathalyzer test.

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Hyderabad: The Intezamia Committee of Tadbun Kabristan, located at Tadbun in Secunderabad demanded the state government relook into the plans to acquire over 4000 square yards of land of the graveyard for metro rail works.

The committee president, Mohammed Abid, said the government issued a notification for the Double Decker metro rail corridor that will run from Paradise Junction in Secunderabad to Dairy Farm Road. The corridor will be 5.32 kilometers long, with 4.65 kilometres of elevated corridor and 0.6 kilometers of underground tunnel.

After the notification appeared in two newspapers, the committee members met several key government officials and public representatives asking them to relook into the proposal.

Abid said the graveyard is linked to 19 mosques in and around Bowenpally and Tadban. “Approximately one acre of land is proposed to be acquired for the project. Already, we are facing problems performing burial of the bodies due to the dearth of space,” said Mohammed Abid.

The committee members met advisor to the government for minority affairs, Mohd Ali Shabbir, Malkajgiri MP Etala Rajendra and other government officials and submitted a representation.

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Hyderabad: The city traffic police had a hard time on New Year eve, Tuesday, December 31, handling drunk drivers and people who refused to abide by the rules and created chaos.

Videos have emerged on social media platforms showing drunk people arguing with Hyderabad traffic police officials and refusing to take the breath analyser test.

In one such video, a man pleads to a Hyderabad traffic official to let him go. He reasons by saying, “Aaj 31st night hai, sabku permission rahta.., thoda bahut pee lete (Today is 31st night, everyone has permission… we just drink a little.)

When they refused, his tone changed and says, “Till now, I have not broken any rules. But if you don’t let me go home, I will start caring less, will drink every day and flout every traffic rule.”

Another video shows a visibly drunk man escorted by a Hyderabad traffic police officer who refuses to take the breadth analyser test. He tells the officers not to touch him. Throughout the video, the man argues with the concerned traffic police officer.

In another video recorded by a passenger, youngsters are seen dangerously hanging from two autos while dancing to the tune of a popular song. One of them places his legs on both autos and dances, increasing the risk of a serious accident.

Hyderabad traffic police record 1,184 cases drunk driving cases

The Hyderabad traffic police witnessed a surge in drunk driving cases during New Year’s Eve with 1,184 cases recorded followed by 839 in Cyberabad and 619 in Rachakonda.

In Cyberabad, out of a total of 839 drunk driving cases, two-wheeler drivers accounted for the majority with 685 cases, followed by 131 involving four-wheelers, 18 for three-wheelers, and 5 against heavy vehicles. Most cases were reported from areas including RC Puram, Madhapur, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Narsingi, Alwal, Jeedimetla, and Medchal.

In Hyderabad’s Rachakonda, most drink-and-drive cases involved two-wheelers, accounting for 526 out of the 619 cases reported, said the police. Additionally, 64 offenders were driving four-wheelers while 26 were operating three-wheelers.

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Hyderabad: West Bengal’s reign over the Santosh Trophy national football championship continues as they secured a 1-0 win over Kerala in the final match of the tournament’s 78th edition at the GMC Balayogi Stadium on Tuesday, December 31.

It’s the 33rd time the West Bengal team has won the title since the inception of the tournament in 1941 and the first since 2016.

Kerala kicked off the match, playing from left to right. In the first few minutes, there was intense competition for possession between both teams.

The first yellow card of the game was given to West Bengal’s Jewel due to a serious foul on Kerala’s Ajsal.

Since both sides were concentrating on defending against one another, there was no real progress made in the first half. Bengal kicked off the second half, but neither side managed to score. The match was to be decided in the extra time or through the penalty shootout as both teams approached the game cautiously and struggled to challenge opposing goalkeepers.

The decisive goal came from Robi Hansda of Bengal in the fourth minute of the added time. Hansda capitalized on Manotos Maji’s header into the box and calmly slotted the ball in from close range.

It changed the tide of the finals in a dramatic fashion. Kerala defender Adil Amal was caught off guard as Hansda, positioned strategically a few yards from goalkeeper Hajmal S inside the penalty area, fired the ball into the net. The standout striker celebrated his 12th goal of the tournament by removing his shirt, which immediately earned him a yellow card.

Kerala, though cautious, attempted and failed at the counterattacks, swift dribble attempts, and low crosses that lacked the precision and impact needed to make a difference.

Though Robi Hansda rescued the team, the absence of star striker, Naro Hari Shrestha, was greatly felt in their game. However, Hansda received the Tulsidas Balaram Player of the Match award and the Peter Thangaraj Player of the Tournament award, two of the tournament’s top accolades. He said that he was happy to win the trophy and that “he could score the match-winner is a huge bonus” for him.

Sanjoy Sen, West Bengal coach, felt honoured to take the trophy back to Kolkata after seven years. He said, “In Bengal, it is all about winning the Santosh Trophy. To finish runners-up would be considered a failure. So, I was aware of the pressure but took up the challenge.”

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Hyderabad: A small section of people from the Old City, mainly residents near the Darul Shifa grounds, are opposing the Old City Hyderabad Metro Rail line expansion due to concerns that the project may damage historical monuments belonging to the Shia Muslim community in the area. A meeting was also held at the Darul Shifa grounds last week on the issue and participants said that they will approach the courts on the issue to petition against the work.

“The people whose homes are being affected are not getting the market value for their homes. Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities also gave wrong notices to people and there are a lot of other issues as well. Some of us are also part of an organisations that work to protect Shia Muslim organisations in Hyderabad. We want the metro to be rerouted little bit and towards the Salar Jung Museum and Nayapul. That way it won’t affect our monuments as well,” said Agha Alamdar Hussain from the Hussaini Organisation for Ashurkhanas Protection and Serenity (HOPAS).

The concern among the Shia Muslim community members is that the Hyderabad Metro Rail project in this new Old City line will affect historical monuments like the Bibi Ka Alam, Aza Khana-e-Zehra and Darul Shifa, all of which are mourning houses built to mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad). The Bibi Ka Alam and Darul Shifa are monuments that go back to the Golconda or Qutb Shahi period (1518-1687), whose rulers founded and built Hyderabad.

HMR officials however said that they did not wish to comment on the issue at this time, when asked about the matter. In the past when the Hyderabad Metro Rail was originally being built over a decade ago, the All Indian Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen had objected to it. Due to that and other issues, the earlier governments eventually develop the line connecting to the Old City.

After the Hyderabad Metro became operational in 2017, the blue (Secunderabad-HITEC CITY) and red lines (Miyapur-LB Nagar) were initially functional. After that the green line (Parade Grounds-MGBS) was added. On September 29, 2024, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy approved the Metro Rail’s phase II corridors which includes the metro’s lines connecting Hyderabad to the airport, and also a line connecting the Chandrayangutta to MGBS line for the Old City.

A total of 116.2 kilometres have been approved for the new corridors for the Hyderabad Metro rail. The line to the airport will pass via the Aramghar.

“A meeting was held last week and about 500 people had come to participate in it. They are of the opinion that there are religious congregations of the Shia Muslim community that take place every year and that these will get disturbed. Apart from this, many others who do business on these routes also participated as their livelihood will get affected,” said one of the attendees, who did not want to be named.

He added Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) officials had come to the area on Wednesday to reportedly seek consent for the project from those who are property owners. “However, that did not go well. We have to see what action the community takes,” the member told Siasat.com.

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Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, January 1, asked the Hyderabad Airport Metro Rail Limited (HAML) authorities to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Paradise-Medchal (23 kilometers) and JBS-Shamirpet (22 kilometers) Metro corridors. With this, the existing network of the metro in Hyderabad will extended all the way into the interiors of Secunderabad as well.

The Telangana chief minister asked HAML director NVS Reddy to create the DPRs and send it to the government of India for approval as part of the Metro Rail Phase-2 Part-‘B’ project. According to a press release from the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR), the new corridor from Paradise Metro Station to Medchal will cover approximately 23 kilometers, passing through Tadband, Bowenpally, Suchitra Circle, Kompally, Gundlapochampally, Kandlakoya, and the ORR exit.

Similarly, the corridor from JBS Metro Station to Shameerpet will cover about 22 kilometers through Vikrampuri, Kharkhana, Tirumalagiri, Lothukunta, Alwal, Bollaram, Hakimpet, Tumkunta, and the ORR exit, as explained by the Metro MD to the CM. As of now the Hyderabad Metro Rail stops at Parade Ground in Secunderabad and is nowhere close to helping with last mile connectivity (green line).

“The CM, recalling his past experience as MP of Malkajgiri regarding traffic problems of these areas and the route maps of these corridors, instructed the Metro MD to also consult the current Malkajgiri MP Mr. Eatela Rajender for his suggestions and advice before finalizing the alignment of the two metro corridors,” added the HMR release.

NVS Reddy said that the Telangana chief minister instructed him to complete the DPR preparation within three months and obtain state government approval. “The CM has also directed that, like Phase-2 ‘A’, Phase-2 ‘B’ should be formulated as a joint venture project between the Central and State Governments,” stated the HMR release.

Hyderabad Metro Rail overview

After the Hyderabad Metro became operational in 2017, the blue (Secunderabad-HITEC CITY) and red lines (Miyapur-LB Nagar) were initially functional. After that the green line (Parade Grounds-MGBS) was added. On September 29, 2024, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy approved the Metro Rail’s phase II corridors which includes the metro’s lines connecting Hyderabad to the airport, and also a line connecting the Chandrayangutta to MGBS line for the Old City.

A total of 116.2 kilometres have been approved for the new corridors for the Hyderabad Metro rail. The line to the airport will pass via the Aramghar.

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Hyderabad: A Muslim graveyard at Phool Bagh, Lal Darwaza in Hyderabad is being encroached upon by the land mafia.

Located adjacent to the Qutb Shahi Masjid, the graveyard has been systematically erased to pave the way for vehicle parking and shops.

Habeeb, a regular visitor to the mosque, claimed that the land had become a dumping yard for locals who throw garbage. “The GHMC removed the garbage and debris using small earth movers. Now the land is levelled to set up shops,” he said.

Locals alleged that the back side of the Qutb Shahi Masjid has been converted into a drinking place where people consume liquor and illegal activities take place. “No one keeps a check. We are facing lot of problems due to this,” complained a woman.

Nearby is located the Mir Momin Chup Dargah and attached to it a vast parcel of land where the graveyard is located. Temporary roads have been laid in the graveyard and people are damaging the graves.

Both properties are mentioned in the Telangana Wakf Board gazette. Officials are hardly bothered about safeguarding the place. there is no fencing to protect the graveyard and surrounding land, locals alleged.

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Hyderabad: Air India Express has announced the launch of direct flights connecting Hyderabad and Phuket in Thailand starting January 31. Initially operating three times a week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the frequency will increase to six times a week including daily flights except Tuesdays starting February 15.

To celebrate the launch, the airline is offering special inaugural fares, with Xpress Value fares starting from Rs 11,000 and Xpress Lite fares from Rs 10,500, available on its website and mobile apps.

Commenting on the new launches, managing director of Air India Express Aloke Singh, said “It will also offer convenient one-stop flights to Phuket from 16 cities across its network, including Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jeddah, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Riyadh, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, via Hyderabad.

Hyderabad to Phuket flight schedule

The Hyderabad-Phuket flight schedule starting from January 31, includes departures from Hyderabad at 06:40 on Mondays, 12:20 on Wednesdays and Fridays, 16:15 on Thursdays, and 11:50 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Air India Express flights from Phuket to Hyderabad will depart at 11:55 on Mondays, 17:35 on Wednesdays and Fridays, 21:30 on Thursdays, and 17:05 on Saturdays and Sundays. From February 15, 2025, the flights will operate daily, except on Tuesdays

Air India Express operates 215 weekly flights from Hyderabad

Air India Express in Hyderabad operates 215 weekly flights to 20 domestic destinations and four international cities.

The airline provides direct flights from Hyderabad to popular domestic cities, including Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Srinagar, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam. Internationally, it connects Hyderabad to Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Phuket.

Additionally, the Air India Express airline offers convenient one-stop connectivity from Hyderabad to 12 domestic destinations, including Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Delhi, Dimapur, Imphal, Kannur, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Ranchi, and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair).

For international travel, Air India Express also provides one-stop connections to 10 destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Singapore.

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Hyderabad: In order to prevent drunk and driving cases on New Year’s eve, the Telangana Four Wheeler Driver’s Association (TGFWDA) and Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) provided 789 free cab and bike rides.

The free rides were provided under the #HumAapkeSaathHai campaign which aims to reduce drunken driving cases after New Year’s celebrations. The initiative offers free transportation across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda with 500 cabs and 250 bikes available for public use.

The police emphasized the dangers of drunk driving pointing out that alcohol impairs vision, reduces caution, and encourages risky behaviour all of which can lead to accidents, often with fatal consequences.

Drunk driving is a punishable offence under Section 185 of the MV Act, with penalties including a fine of up to Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenders face the suspension of their driving licenses for a minimum of three months or permanently.

Despite free cab and bike services, Hyderabad sees spike in drunk driving cases

The Hyderabad police witnessed a surge in drunk driving cases during New Year’s Eve with 1,415 cases booked followed by 839 in Cyberabad and 619 in Rachakonda.

In Hyderabad’s Rachakonda, most drink-and-drive cases involved two-wheelers, accounting for 526 out of the 619 cases reported, said the police. Additionally, 64 offenders were driving four-wheelers while 26 were operating three-wheelers.

Police reports from Hyderabad’s Rachakonda note that most drink-and-drive offenders were aged 21-30, followed by 201 cases in the 31-40 age group.

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Hyderabad: The Indian Army will host the ‘Know Your Army Mela 2025’ at the historic Golconda Fort from January 3 to 5. 

Organised under the aegis of the Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) headquarters and coordinated by the Artillery Centre, Hyderabad, this event serves as a prelude to the Army Day Parade 2025.

This one-of-a-kind event offers all citizens a unique opportunity to engage with the Indian Army, witness its technological prowess, and gain insights into its operational capabilities. The mela aims to inspire and motivate young aspirants to join the Armed Forces while projecting a positive image of the Indian Army, a Defence release said.

The Army has selected a historic venue for a grand event. The Golconda Fort, renowned for its historical and cultural significance, provides a majestic backdrop for this event. Its accessibility and iconic stature promise to captivate visitors and enhance their experience. The mela has been meticulously planned to ensure smooth conduct, engaging activities, and maximum visibility for all attendees.

The event at Golconda Fort will showcase artillery guns, small arms, and advanced operational tools. There will be detailed display boards explaining their specifications and operational significance.

Exhibits featuring communication systems, engineering tools, and nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) warfare suits will be on display.

The visitors will have interactive experiences. They will be allowed to take photos with military equipment at Golconda Fort. There will be dedicated recruitment booths with detailed information about career opportunities in the Armed Forces.

The event will also feature live performances by military bands and exhibitions of gallantry medals, stories of valour, and other historical memorabilia.

Army personnel will be available at each stall to engage with visitors, share insights, and answer queries.

“The Know Your Army Mela 2025 is more than just an exhibition. It is a celebration of the Indian Army’s strength, discipline, and dedication to the nation. All citizens will have a chance to interact with Army personnel, see cutting-edge military equipment, and learn about the inspiring legacy of the Armed Forces. This event is a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and patriotism, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Army’s role in safeguarding the nation,” the release added.

About Golconda Fort

Golconda, another favourite tourist place in Hyderabad, is a historic fortified citadel and ruined city located on the western outskirts of the city. The fort was originally built in the 11th century by Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra using mud walls. In 2014, UNESCO placed it on the “tentative list” for World Heritage status, alongside other regional forts, under the name “Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate.”

The Golconda fort once housed a vault that stored the famous Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds, along with other precious stones.

(With inputs of IANS)

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Hyderabad: The Malakpet and Santoshnagar traffic police stations topped the list of drunken driving cases booked by Hyderabad traffic police on New Year eve on Tuesday night. The Malakpet traffic police booked 96 cases, the highest in the city followed by Santoshnagar with 91 cases.

On the third position stood SR Nagar police station with 83 cases. Chandrayangutta police station registered 75 cases.

The Hyderabad traffic police booked 1425 on New Year’s eve in Hyderabad. The total number of cases booked in the tri commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda was 2883.

In Telangana, a total of 5,278 people were booked for drunk driving, with Warangal leading with 408 cases, followed by Nalgonda with 222 cases.

Nearly 75 per cent of those booked for drunken driving are two-wheeler riders across Telangana.

Their driving licenses were seized and forwarded to the road transport authorities, who recommended it be cancelled.

Drunk citizens give hard time to Hyderabad traffic police

The city traffic police had a hard time on New Year eve, handling drunk drivers and people who refused to abide by the rules and created chaos.

Videos have emerged on social media platforms showing drunk people arguing with Hyderabad traffic police officials and refusing to take the breath analyser test.

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Hyderabad: BRS working president K T Rama Rao is consulting legal experts on the summons issued to him by the ED for an appearance on January 7, sources close to him said on Wednesday.

Rao, who was Municipal Administration Minister during the previous BRS regime, was summoned by the ED over the alleged irregularities with regard to conducting the race in Hyderabad.

The federal agency filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR) or FIR recently in the case under various sections of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), taking cognisance of a Telangana Police Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB) complaint.

In an informal interaction with mediapersons here, Rao on Wednesday described the allegations against him as baseless.

Though the Congress government is trying to use the Formula-E case registered against him by the ACB for political vendetta, he has faith in the judiciary, he said.

Rao alleged that the Revanth Reddy government is trying to send him to jail in false cases and that he would not be intimidated by such attempts.

The Telangana High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on a petition filed by Rao seeking to quash the FIR registered against him by the ACB in the Formula-E race issue.

The ACB on December 19 registered a case against Rao over alleged payments, part of it in foreign currency without approvals, made to conduct Formula-E race in Hyderabad during the BRS regime.

Claiming that the state government is planning to introduce a self-declaration to extend its ‘Rythu Bharosa’ investment support scheme for farmers, Rao questioned the need for such forms.

He accused the government of using “tactics” to dilute the benefit to the ryots.

Expressing confidence about BRS doing well in the upcoming local body elections, Rao charged that the Congress government is not sincere in providing a 42 per cent quota for Backward Classes in the polls as per its election promise.

The BRS working president said the party will launch extensive outreach programmes, including a massive public meeting around the party’s foundation day on April 27 and a membership drive, in 2025.

BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao would be re-elected to the post as per the wishes of 60 lakh party workers, he added.

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Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Commissioner of Police in Hyderabad, requesting a comprehensive action taken report (ATR) regarding the stampede that occurred at Sandhya Theatre on December 4, which resulted in the death of a woman.

The NHRC has set a deadline of four weeks for this report following a complaint lodged by advocate Rama Rao Immaneni.

The notice specifically seeks details about the “erring” police officials’ lathi charge on that day, which allegedly contributed to the chaos.

During the incident, a large crowd had gathered for the premiere of “Pushpa 2,” leading to a dangerous situation when actor Allu Arjun arrived at the venue.

Tragically, in addition to the fatality, two children, including the deceased woman’s son, sustained injuries as a result of the stampede. 

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Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court granted relief to producers Yelamanchili Ravishankar and Yerneni Naveen of the film “Pushpa-2” in connection with the stampede incident at Sandhya Theatre.

The court allowed the investigation to continue but ordered that the producers should not be arrested.

This decision came after a petition filed by the producers seeking to dismiss the case registered by the Chikkadapally police following the death of a woman during the stampede.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Justice K Sujana listened to arguments from the petitioners’ lawyer, N Naveen Kumar, who asserted that there was no connection between the incident and the producers.

He argued that none of the allegations in the FIR applied to them. It was noted that actor Allu Arjun’s arrival at the theatre had been communicated to both theatre staff and police officials.

Senior officers, including an ACP and DCP, had visited the theatre on the day of the incident to assess security measures.

The judge issued interim orders preventing the arrest of the producers while directing them to cooperate with the investigation.

The police were instructed to file a counter and issue notices to the complainant.

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Hyderabad: Tension prevailed under the Ghatkesar police station limits late on Wednesday night, January 1, after a group of cow vigilantes attacked Muslim traders who were shifting buffaloes to the city.

The incident took place around 11 pm when one cattle trader Amair Qureshi purchased six cattle at Bibi Bazaar, Nalgonda Market and was shifting the buffaloes to Hyderabad city in a DCM.

At the Ghatkesar traffic signal, BJYM Medchal Rural district president, Pavan Reddy and his accomplices stopped the DCM and the driver, pulled them down from the vehicle and allegedly attacked them.

On information, the local police came to the spot and shifted the driver to the hospital. AIMIM MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig immediately reached Ghatkesar police station and met senior police officials.

He demanded strict action against the attackers. Rahmath Baig visited Osmania General Hospital where the injured trader was shifted for treatment and reviewed his condition.

The Ghatkesar police booked a case.

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Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has clarified that the Hyderabad police possess the authority under the City Police Act to take action against the increasing antisocial and illegal activities occurring in gated communities.

The court has directed the Hyderabad police commissioner to formulate and issue appropriate guidelines and recommendations regarding what actions should be taken to control illegal activities within these gated communities and flat owners’ associations.

Issue guidelines to gated communities: HC

Among the key directives from the High Court is the issuance of comprehensive guidelines to gated community and flat owners’ associations.

These guidelines are expected to detail legal regulations and government orders pertinent to controlling illegal activities.

Furthermore, the court emphasized that if any complaints regarding nuisance or crimes arise from these communities, relevant police stations, task forces, and TGNCBs should be instructed to take necessary actions promptly.

Additionally, the court suggested considering the development of a mobile application for receiving complaints from residents, ensuring that the identities of complainants remain confidential.

The case that prompted this ruling arose when an individual named CH Harigovinda Khoranareddy filed a petition challenging police inaction regarding illegal gambling, drinking, drug use, and sexual activities reported in the Indu Fortune Fields villa community in Hyderabad.

The petitioner claimed that despite multiple complaints, police did not take action due to prior warnings from security personnel about police visits, which allegedly led to evidence being destroyed.

During the hearings, Justice B Vijayasen Reddy noted that the police’s failure to act could not be justified by a lack of incidents following a raid where 15 individuals were detained at a local club.

He remarked that such inaction undermines both safety and legal integrity within gated communities, highlighting the need for law enforcement to be proactive in addressing reported issues.

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Hyderabad: A police constable died by suicide in Hyderabad’s Malakpet area on Wednesday, January 1. He was reportedly depressed over some issues.

The deceased constable was identified as 36-year-old Janavath Kiran, a constable from the 2014 batch. Kiran was deployed at the Filmnagar police station in Hyderabad for the last few months. He applied for leave and was found hanging in his room.

Speaking to Siasat.com, Malakpet Inspector P Naresh said, “We went to the constable’s house and shifted the body to a mortuary for postmortem. A case of abatement to suicide under section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanahita (BNS) has been registered and the investigation is underway.”

The reason for the constable’s depression is unknown. It is to be noted that several constables have died by suicide in Hyderabad and Telangana over the last two months.

Telangana Director General of Police recently urged the media not to “generalise” constable suicides in Telangana.

He said there could be various factors driving the constables to suicide adding that he can’t pinpoint a particular reason.

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