Police in decoy take valuables from Kukatpally hostels, no questions asked

A decoy operation conducted by the Cyberabad Police in hostels across the Kukatpally Zone has exposed serious security lapses, with several establishments found lacking even basic safety measures, prompting police to ask hostel owners to strengthen security arrangements.

Addressing a hostel owners’ awareness meeting at the Deputy Commissioner of Police’s office on Monday (July 27, 2026), Kukatpally Zone DCP Ritiraj said hostel managements had a key role in preventing crimes as they were directly responsible for the safety of residents and their belongings.

Valuables taken during decoy operation

During the recent decoy operation conducted across all seven police station limits under Kukatpally Zone, police personnel entered several hostels and removed items such as mobile phones, laptops and bags without being questioned or stopped by anyone, officials said. More than half of the hostels inspected were found to have inadequate security arrangements. The items taken during the exercise were later returned to the respective hostel owners and residents.

The DCP said the police usually step in after a crime is reported, while hostel owners were in a position to prevent many such incidents by maintaining proper security.

Suggestions on security measures

The police advised hostel owners to appoint trained security guards through licensed security agencies and avoid engaging unauthorised personnel. They were also directed to install CCTV cameras at all important locations, particularly entry and exit points and parking areas, with at least 30 days of backup, while ensuring that the systems remain operational.

Hostel managements were instructed to maintain visitor registers with details such as name, address, mobile number, purpose of visit and identity proof details before allowing outsiders inside the premises.

The police also asked owners to immediately inform the local police about any illegal activities, including possession or consumption of narcotic substances, and join WhatsApp groups with their respective police stations for quick communication during emergencies.