Home guard arrested after video shows him beating, dragging woman by hair in Hyderabad

Follow TNM's WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.

A home guard on deputation to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was arrested after visuals of him beating a woman and dragging her by her hair across the street went viral on social media. The incident took place on the evening of Friday, September 18, outside Hyderabad’s Hafeezpet Railway station.

The home guard, Anand, has also been dismissed from service. In the FIR registered against Anand at Miyapur police station, the complainant, head constable S Gopal, stated that he got to know about the assault while he was out on patrol. Gopal was accompanied by Special Police Officer (SPO) Rajeshwar Reddy.

Gopal said in his complaint that they made enquiries after learning about the assault and came to know that Anand was involved. However, they were unable to trace the woman who was allegedly assaulted.

The case against Anand was registered under Sections 74 (punishes assault or the use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty) and 118(1) (voluntarily causing bodily hurt using dangerous weapons or hazardous means) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Visuals of the assault went viral on social media, drawing widespread outrage over the home guard’s behaviour. Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) CV Anand described the incident as one that “cannot be forgiven”.

“Such behaviour by our staff, whatever be the rank and whatever be the provocation, cannot be forgiven,” he said.

“It is abominable and in total disregard of all instructions and training. Enquiry has revealed that this home guard is on deputation to the Railway Police force and is not with the local police. He will be removed from service and also a case will be booked and criminal action will be initiated,” he added.