Hyderabad: The Sumathi incident triggered sharp criticism from BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan, who alleged a collapse of law and order after a police commissioner was reportedly harassed by a mob in the city.
Addressing a press conference on May 6, Sravan said the incident involving Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumathi reflected a serious breakdown in policing. He claimed that if a senior IPS officer faced intimidation, public safety had come under threat. He further alleged that women’s security had deteriorated under the current administration.
Sravan cited crime data to argue that the situation was worsening. He said crimes against women in Hyderabad rose by 6% in 2025, while cases related to outraging modesty increased by 9% across Telangana. According to him, these figures indicated a broader trend rather than an isolated incident.
He also criticised the functioning of the Integrated Command and Control Center. Sravan questioned whether the system was being used effectively for public safety. He alleged that despite advanced surveillance infrastructure, authorities failed to respond in real time during the incident.
Sumathi incident raises policing and safety concerns
The Sumathi incident also led Sravan to question policing priorities in the city. He alleged that law enforcement resources were diverted towards political activities instead of routine patrol duties. As a result, he claimed that preventive policing had weakened.
He further questioned the absence of patrol units and specialised teams during the incident. He said delays in response raised concerns about ground-level monitoring and coordination. In addition, he alleged that political interference had affected the functioning of the police force.
Sravan demanded accountability from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who also holds the Home portfolio. He questioned whether adequate steps were being taken to ensure safety in public spaces. He also called for clarity on deployment of police resources across the city.
The BRS leader said the incident should act as a warning for authorities. He urged the government to prioritise public safety and restore confidence in policing systems. He added that Hyderabad, as a major urban centre, required stronger law enforcement measures.
