Women report growing harassment at Hyderabad hotspots

hema singaluri | Hyderabad 

Hyderabad’s public spaces are under increasing scrutiny as women continue raising concerns on social media platforms, particularly Reddit, about harassment in crowded areas such as Durgam Cheruvu and Hussain Sagar. Complaints involving catcalling, stalking, hooting, unwanted touching, and intimidation are once again drawing attention to women’s safety in the city.

Many women described Durgam Cheruvu as a frequent hotspot where bikers allegedly pass sexual remarks, stare continuously, and intimidate visitors near the bridge and walking tracks. Hussain Sagar, especially around Tank Bund, has also been flagged despite regular police patrolling, with several women reporting discomfort during evening walks due to hooting and groups of men following them.

A Reddit user shared that a late-night visit to Durgam Cheruvu with friends became uncomfortable after repeated catcalling by youngsters on triple-riding scooters without helmets. Another woman wrote that confronting such groups often feels unsafe, leaving many helpless in public spaces.

Concerns are also growing over ride-hailing experiences. Jhanvi S, a 26-year-old software employee, said a bike taxi rider behaved in an overly familiar manner during a trip and later insisted on exchanging phone numbers for direct bookings outside the app, making her feel uneasy and unsafe.

Cyberabad SHE Teams CI Hanuman Goud said the highest number of complaints now come from IT corridor areas including Gachibowli, Madhapur, Miyapur, and Raidurgam due to dense hostel accommodation, nightlife, and late working hours. He added that complaints involving Rapido rides are also increasing. Officials said SHE Teams handle between 90 and over 350 complaints during monitoring cycles involving stalking, harassment, and obscene behaviour.