HACK call for cyber resilience

 The Hyderabad Annual Cybersecurity Knowledge Summit, H.A.C.K. 2.0, concluded with resounding success, drawing prominent voices from government, industry, and law enforcement. The summit, hosted by the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), highlighted urgent cybersecurity issues and underscored the role of digital citizens in creating a resilient cyber landscape.

Inaugural Highlights

In his opening address, Shri C. V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, and Chairman of HCSC, emphasized, “Cybersecurity is no longer just a policing duty—it’s a collective responsibility. Our digital world demands vigilance and proactive measures from every individual, every business, and every government entity. Together, we can make Hyderabad a beacon of cybersecurity awareness and action.” The summit’s purpose, as highlighted in this year’s theme, "From Awareness to Action: Shaping a Secure Digital Future," is to raise cybersecurity awareness, equip citizens with knowledge, and encourage proactive measures in combating digital threats.

Chief Guest, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Telangana, commended HCSC's efforts, noting, “Telangana is deeply committed to fortifying digital security, with comprehensive policies and public initiatives. Events like H.A.C.K. 2.0 are crucial in galvanizing action and building a culture of cybersecurity.”

Keynote Address: A Call for Proactive Measures

In his keynote, Shri Brijesh Singh, IPS, Additional DGP of Maharashtra, stated, “Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and so must our strategies. We need to anticipate, adapt, and act with urgency. Collaborative efforts among law enforcement, private sector, and citizens are essential to secure our digital future.”

Shri C. Shekar Reddy, Secretary General of HCSC, stressed HCSC’s role in fostering public and private partnerships for cybersecurity. He highlighted, “HCSC is not just about addressing cyber threats but also about empowering citizens and businesses. We invite acevery organization and individual to join us in our mission to make Hyderabad a model city for digital security and resilience.”

Presentation on Cyber Threat Landscape in Telangana

Smt. Shikha Goel, IPS, DGP CID Telangana and Director of TG Cyber Security Bureau, provided attendees with critical insights into the cyber threat landscape across Telangana. Her presentation covered recent investigative successes and the pressing need for strengthened collaboration between citizens, industry, and law enforcement to combat escalating cyber threats.

Panel Discussions and Key Takeaways

The summit featured three impactful panel discussions covering essential cybersecurity topics:

Cyber Threats Landscape in India – Trends, Strategies, and Evolving Legal Framework: Moderated by Shri Krishna Sastry Pendyala from EY, this panel explored current cyber threat trends, regulatory frameworks, and strategic approaches. Panelists included Smt. Shikha Goel, IPS, Shri Eswara Sai Prasad Chunduru from IBM, Professor Srikrishna Deva from NALSAR University, and Shri Chinmoy Kumar from the RBI.

AI and Cybersecurity: A Two-Way Street – Defense Strategies, Forensics, and Emerging Threats: Led by Shri Sridhar Sidhu from AT&T, this panel examined the dual role of AI in cybersecurity, exploring its potential for both defense and malicious use. Panelists included Dr. Ganesh Ghalme from IIT, Shri Bala Prasad Peddigiri from TCS, Shri Praveen Kumar Tangela from Alliant Talent, and Professor Ponnurangam Kumaraguru (PK) from IIIT Hyderabad.

The Evolving Role of Digital Citizens and Businesses: Building Resilience Against Cyber Threats in a Borderless World: Moderated by Shri Santosh Kaveti, CEO of ProArch, this discussion emphasized the importance of cyber literacy and resilience among digital citizens and small businesses. Dr. Prasad Patibandla of CRCIDF and Smt. Kavitha Dara, DCP of Cyber Crimes, Hyderabad, shared insights into empowering communities against cyber threats.

Interactive Engagements and "I AM READY" Campaign Launch

A live demo by Shri Manish Yadav showcased advanced cybersecurity tools and techniques. The audience was further captivated by a street play highlighting everyday cybersecurity challenges and practical solutions.

A standout session was the Fireside Chat led by Shri Bharani Kumar Aroll of HCSC and actor Adivi Sesh. During this discussion, the “I AM READY” campaign was launched, encouraging citizens to pledge their commitment to digital safety. Bharani Kumar Aroll remarked, “Our campaign is a call to every citizen to be proactive in their digital safety, because security starts with each one of us.” Attendees received digital badges for taking the pledge, symbolizing their dedication to fostering a safer online environment.

To further this mission, the event featured the launch of short films aimed at enhancing public awareness on cybersecurity. Additionally, a street play (role play) was performed to creatively engage citizens and highlight the importance of cyber vigilance in everyday life.

The "I AM READY" campaign was launched, engaging attendees to pledge their commitment to following cyber hygiene practices, spreading awareness, and becoming responsible digital citizens. Participants who took the pledge received digital badges as a symbol of their dedication to creating a safer digital society.

Closing Ceremony

The summit concluded with a closing ceremony recognizing the contributions of all partners, speakers, and participants. In his final remarks, Shri Santosh Kaveti, Joint Secretary, Cyber Forum, HCSC, called for continued collaboration and vigilance in the journey to a secure digital future. Over 500 attendees joined the H.A.C.K. 2.0 Summit, including business leaders, educators, government representatives, law enforcement officials, and cybersecurity experts, all gathered to discuss and strengthen Hyderabad’s digital resilience.

About HCSC

The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) is a public-private initiative aimed at advancing cybersecurity awareness, education, and action across Hyderabad. H.A.C.K. 2.0 exemplifies HCSC’s commitment to building a resilient digital landscape by uniting government, industry, and citizens under a shared vision for digital security.

Together, we are building a secure digital future for Hyderabad

City Peace committee meeting held

 Sri CV Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, held an interaction meeting with the Central Peace and Welfare Committee from all zones of Hyderabad City at TGC&CC, Banjara Hills, to discuss recent sensitive religious issues that occurred in the city.

In this programme, Sri Vikram Singh Mann, IPS, Addl. CP, L&O, Hyderabad and Chairman of the Central Peace and Welfare Committee; Sri P. Viswa Prasad, IPS, Addl. CP, Traffic, Hyderabad City; Sri S. Chaitanya Kumar, IPS, DCP, SB, Hyderabad City and Vice Chairman of the Committee; Ms. Sneha Mehra, IPS, DCP South Zone, Hyderabad City and Coordinator of the Committee; along with DCsP of L&O, Traffic, SB, Taskforce, Head Quarters & Training and SMIT, Hyderabad City, Sri Srikishan Sharma, General Secretary of the Central Peace & Welfare Committee, Sri Hafiz Muzaffar Hussain, Patron, and other office bearers, approximately 350 members of the Peace Committee participated.

During the meeting, participants unanimously condemned any disturbances caused by certain individuals and emphasized the necessity for respectful dialogue among communities. A commitment was made to enhance communication channels between communities and law enforcement to ensure prompt and effective resolution of grievances. Additionally, plans were proposed for community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation among different religious groups.

The committee highlighted the importance of preventive measures, including educational programs designed to promote tolerance and respect for diversity. They also discussed strategies to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of misinformation and rumors that can escalate tensions within the community.

CP, Hyderabad expressed the need for a proactive approach in addressing potential flashpoints and encouraged committee members to serve as ambassadors of peace in their respective areas. He sought the cooperation of the peace committee members to maintain the city’s peaceful atmosphere while handling unexpected situations and to continue their tireless work in preserving the reputation of Hyderabad.

The Peace and Welfare Committee assured full support and a willingness to work towards the peaceful completion of upcoming festivals and to combat anti-social activities and vices in society. The committee also pledged to organize community workshops that promote unity, inclusiveness, and proactive conflict resolution.

In conclusion, the meeting reinforced the collective commitment to uphold peace and harmony in Hyderabad City, ensuring that all communities feel secure and respected.

Coordination meeting held for homeless dwellers in city

 As a precautionary measure to avoid any incidents involving homeless people in the city, Police Commissioner Mr.CV Anand conducted a coordination meeting with authorities of various government departments and prominent NGOs, working in the field, at the TGICCC on Tuesday. He discussed street dwellers and homeless persons. The day-by-day growing number of vagabonds in the city and the mentally challenged people and their involvement in various crimes was discussed extensively.

The meeting discussed a comprehensive action plan and decided to identify street dwellers and homeless, demented persons, rag pickers, drunkards and to give immediate shelter to those living on the streets; to streamline medical and mental health services; and to make suitable arrangements to prevent them from engaging in any crime. The meeting decided to establish a geo-tagging system for local PS to identify places of worship and religious places in each police station area. Local PS sector SIs should establish good relations with the area committee members.

As a precautionary measure, CCTVs, compound walls, gates, and lock systems should be installed around prayer halls. Any suspicious mentally unstable person should be reported immediately to the local police, who will be checked at the local hospital and taken to a shelter home.

Anand said many incidents involving homeless people are taking place in the city limits; some are mentally retarded. “They are going to religious processions and places and causing distress; if not checked and restrained, there is a possibility of disrupting law and order,” he said.

Officials of all departments have expressed their willingness to work together to formulate a comprehensive action plan, keeping in mind the city’s growing population.

Dr Soumya Mishra, DGP, Prisoners, Correctional Service, Vikram Singh Man, Additional CP (Law and Order), Y Murali Babu, IG Prisoners, Ramadevi, Director, Social Welfare, VB Kamalasan Reddy, IGP, Drug Control Administration, P Vishwa Prasad, Additional CP Traffic, Mohammed Sadan Zeb Khan, DIG Railways, besides officials from TG RTC, RPF, GHMC, Medical & Health, Women & Child Welfare, Revenue, Prohibition and Excise, Public Health, Horticulture, Mental Health Hospital, Erragadda, and all zonal DCPs and Task Force officials attended.

H-NEW nabs two gangs

 Mimicking the movies, and spies, drug peddlers are using ‘dead drops’ to transact their business. This was seen in a recent bust by the H-NEW,  Humayunnagar and Kanchahbagh police teams. Dead drop refers to a method of transferring information or items in a discreet manner, which involves leaving an item in a designated location for someone else to pick up later. Those making the dead drops leave clues for the intended recipients; in this case it is the pictures of the spot. 

The accused used ‘mule accounts’ for payments. “To avoid detection and tracing, the peddlers maintained communication  over social media platforms,” he said and cautioned that the state police were equipped to track the suppliers, peddlers and consumers. 

Police said that Mohammed Abdul Rahman Osman, 24, a Sudanese national, who was residing in Tolichowki, holds a student visa. “He procured narcotics from suppliers in Bengaluru and distributed them to consumers in Hyderabad through a ‘dead drop’, sharing the location of the drugs and receiving payments through digital wallets,” said the police. Osman shares a photo of the place where he stashes narcotics along with the location to his handler, who would then share the same with the customer.

In a different operation, the H-NEW, along with Kanchanbagh Police, apprehended an inter-State drug supplier and two local peddlers.

The accused were identified as Nandakumar PS alias Lalu, 25, from Bengaluru, along with Mohd Imran alias Shukoor alias Sahil alias Immu, 29, and Kodidala Naveen, 24, from Hyderabad.Police seized 80 grams of MDMA, 10 LSD blots, three mobile phones, a weighing machine, and other packaging material from their possession.

“According to the police, Imran, a repeat offender, was previously arrested in February 2024 for drug possession. Facing financial difficulties, he re-entered the drug trade, procuring MDMA and LSD from Nandakumar in Bangalore and local supplier Naveen. He then sold these drugs to consumers in Hyderabad at a higher price,” said the police. 

CP holds court

 The Commissioner of Police & Addl.District Magistrate (Executive), Hyderabad Police Commissionerate held the executive Court at office of the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad (TGICCC) buildings, Road No.12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad and examined the information placed before the Court by the SHO, Humayun Nagar Police Station.

There is a political rivalry between Mohd.Majid Hussain, MLA/AIMIM, Nampally Assembly Constituency and Mohd.Feroz Khan, (Congress/Nampally A/C MLA contestant) to assert dominance in the area.

On 7.10.2024, while Mohd.Majid Hussain, MLA/AIMIM along with his followers were observing the civic work of CC road at Feroz Gandhi Nagar under the limits of Humayun Nagar Police Station, Mohd.Feroz Khan/Congress along with his followers came there for inspecting the civic work. Upon which, Mohd.Majid Hussain, MLA/AIMIM and his followers took objection, leading to quarrel between both the groups and chaos broke out as both the groups started attacking each other with fist blows and pelting stones, which resulted in injuries to some of the followers of both the groups besides causing panic among the public causing disturbance to the peace and tranquility in the area. The police intervened and dispersed the cadres of both the parties and registered a case u/s 194 BNS, 2023 against the respondents of the both the parties. 

The Commissioner of Police & Addl.District Magistrate (Executive), Hyderabad Police Commissionerate inquired the details of the information from the SHO, Humayun Nagar P.S, who has apprised the Court that there is a political rivalry between the both groups and they are at loggerheads resorting to illegal and wrongful acts causing breach of peace affecting the public tranquility in the limits of Humayun Nagar P.S and its adjoining areas. He further requested to bind them over for the reasonable period the Hon’ble Court deems fit, as there is every likelihood of disturbance to the peace and tranquility.

The Commissioner of Police & Addl.District Magistrate (Executive), Hyderabad Police Commissionerate heard the version of respondents of both the groups (10 of Group-A led by Mohd.Majid Hussain, MLA/AIMIM & 9 of Group-B led by Mohd. Feroz Khan, Congress) and advised them suitably to refrain from such provocative activities and the case adjourned for further hearing. 

If any person or groups, one or more who is likely to commit an act that result into disturbing the peace and public tranquility in the area, he/she/they can be bound over u/s 126 BNSS, 2023 (construed with Sec.107 CrPC) by directing them to execute bond for keeping the peace in the said area for a given period of time, provided such an act is likely to disturb public peace or tranquility at large.