Overview
- An internal memo from the Cyber Crime police dated September 23 implements a September 5 directive from DGP Jitender to record habitual social media offenders and financial fraudsters for ongoing monitoring.
- The instructions allow entries for accused persons designated as suspects under Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Telangana State Police Manual, not only for convicted individuals.
- Hyderabad Cybercrime DCP Dara Kavitha said the memo is a reminder to keep the process active, with officials noting that suspect sheets are opened when an offender is involved in more than two cases.
- A senior Hyderabad police official defended the surveillance as necessary to deter repeat online trolling, including targeting of women and vulnerable groups, as well as recurring financial scams.
- Opposition leaders, particularly from the BRS, contend the policy is vague and could be used to harass political critics, even as police cite August enforcement data of 338 complaints, 233 FIRs, 61 arrests and Rs.1.01 crore refunded.