The Telangana police on Thursday asked citizens and businessmen not to give 'mamools' or bribes to any personnel in uniform and shared a phone number to lodge complaints, in case anyone demanded the same.
"All the owners of hotels, restaurants, wine shops, bars, lodges, business establishments, gaming zones, pubs, parlours, cafes, petty shops. etc, in the limits of Central, East, North, South and West Zones of Hyderabad Police Commissionerate are requested not to give ‘mamools’ or bribe to any police officer. If any officer asks ‘mamools’, they may inform the same to following number/ mail ID for taking further action in the matter," a press release by the state police said.
In case of Hyderabad, a complaint can be lodged on WhatsApp number 9490616555 or via email to cphydts@gmail.com, the release added.
In Cyberabad’s case, complaint can be lodged on WhatsApp number 9490617444 or via email to cpcybd@gmail.com.
The move by the cops came after a list of allegedly corrupt policemen began doing the rounds on social media.
This list, which had a total of 391 names, was being confirmed and cross checked by Telangana DGP M Mahendar Reddy's office.
According to reports, the number of police personnel indulging in the extortion of money included 11 in Hyderabad, 13 in Cyberabad and 24 in Rachakonda.
While Suryapet town had 40, Bhadradri Kothagudem had 35, closely followed by Karimnagar at 34, Nizamabad at 29 and Sangareddy at 25.
A message reportedly by the DGP, to senior police officials, reads, "A tentative list of police personnel (Not Exhaustive), allegedly found indulging in organized collection of monthly mamools, unit wise, has been forwarded just now for information through email. Some of them have already discontinued their activities, while a few others are still continuing their activities. This list is only indicative but not exhaustive."
The message also requested senior police officers to put an end to the menace and ensure that the practice is discontinued.