A new video by Hauterrfly sheds light on the safety concerns women face while navigating Hyderabad at night. Issues like inadequate infrastructure, public behavior, and lack of safety measures are highlighted in this eye-opening feature.
Woman Explores Hyderabad at Night, Uncovering a Different Reality
Hyderabad, Telangana – A recent feature by Hauterrfly, a lifestyle website, explores the unsettling reality of women navigating the streets of Hyderabad at night. Titled 2 AM Stories, the segment, hosted by Janvi Manchanda, exposes the hidden challenges faced by women in the city, from safety concerns to gaps in infrastructure and ineffective government initiatives.
The Start of Janvi’s Journey: Durgam Cheruvu Lake
Janvi begins her journey at Durgam Cheruvu Lake around 8:30 pm, finding the area eerily quiet, with little foot traffic. She points out the absence of streetlights on the footpath, a significant safety concern. The deserted atmosphere of a weekday night raises alarms about the lack of adequate infrastructure in certain parts of Hyderabad, particularly those away from commercial hubs.
Public Transport and Lack of Security
The situation escalates as Janvi travels on the Hyderabad Metro. Although it’s not even 10 pm, she notices the near-absence of female passengers. The women’s coach, she observes, lacks a proper partition and dedicated security personnel, which discourages women from using public transport after dark.
Janvi’s discomfort increases as she waits for an auto-rickshaw at the station, when a man on a two-wheeler repeatedly circles her, asking if she needs a ride. This unsettling encounter raises critical questions about the safety of women traveling alone at night. “If a woman in Hyderabad is traveling late at night in the metro or waiting for an auto, should she have to face this?” Janvi asks, voicing her concerns over the unwelcoming environment.
Inappropriate Remarks and Gender Bias
As Janvi moves through different parts of the city, she encounters more instances of inappropriate remarks from men on bikes, accompanied by intrusive stares and harassment. She reflects on the deep-seated bias against women traveling late at night, stating, “Women who commute for work are assumed to be something else. How is that right?”
A Positive Turn at Charminar
Despite these unsettling experiences, Janvi’s mood shifts as she reaches Charminar at around 11:30 pm. The area is buzzing with activity, with families, men, and women shopping and taking pictures. Janvi feels at ease amidst the crowd, noting that despite the crowd, she never felt unsafe in this vibrant, well-lit area.
Government Initiatives Fall Short
Testing the effectiveness of government safety measures, Janvi highlights several concerns. One such initiative, the T-Safe app, designed to track women’s locations when traveling in cabs, was unavailable on iOS devices. Additionally, the SHE Teams page, which allows women to scan QR codes in public spaces to file complaints, failed to function as expected. When Janvi tried scanning a QR code, the site couldn’t be reached, revealing the gaps in execution of these safety measures.
Hooliganism and Public Harassment
By 1:00 am, Janvi reaches Necklace Road, a popular night-time hangout spot. The atmosphere here is starkly different—dominated by men with no women in sight. She feels uncomfortable under their watchful gazes. In one particularly unsettling moment, a man deliberately brakes in front of her group, only to speed off when confronted.
Janvi describes further incidents of hooliganism on Necklace Road, with men riding motorbikes in triples, honking, whistling, and turning to smile at her. These experiences prompt her to caution against traveling alone or in groups late at night. “As a tourist, you can visit maybe in the early evening or early morning, but I wouldn’t advise coming alone at night,” she warns.
The Tragic Legacy of Shamshabad
Janvi’s journey takes a somber turn when she visits Shamshabad toll plaza at 2:30 am, the site of the tragic 2019 rape and murder of a female doctor, Disha. This tragic event, in which four men murdered the 26-year-old veterinary doctor, highlights the grave risks women face even in relatively quieter areas of the city.
Infrastructure Gaps and Police Presence
Janvi reflects on her journey, noting several critical infrastructure gaps in the city. While areas like HiTech City, known for its offices and clubs, are well-lit, older parts of Hyderabad suffer from poor lighting. She also questions the absence of public toilets for women, raising the concern: “What are tourists and women traveling supposed to do when they need to use the washroom?”
Her concerns extend to police presence at night. “Most of the time, police are not patrolling, and when they do, they’re busy shutting down the city, closing eateries that remain open late,” Janvi observes, noting that it feels like authorities are “locking people inside their houses” rather than ensuring public safety.
A Final Conclusion: Lack of Safety
In her closing remarks, Janvi expresses her discomfort with the overall safety situation in Hyderabad, especially for women at night. “As a woman, I wouldn’t step out alone here because I never felt safe,” she concludes, reflecting on the lack of awareness and the inappropriate behavior towards women in public spaces.
Rising Crime Rates Against Women
Recent statistics reveal a 4.74% increase in crimes against women in Telangana over the last five years, with the most significant rise in cases of kidnapping and abduction. While dowry-related crimes have seen a decline, the sharp increase in crimes like murder and abetment of suicide paints a concerning picture for women’s safety in the region.
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Hyderabad Women Share Similar Experiences
The video has sparked widespread discussion, with many viewers sharing their own experiences. Some residents expressed concerns about the lack of public restrooms for women, particularly in public places. Others shared stories of safety issues, especially in areas like Necklace Road and MG Metro Station, even during the day. However, a few users criticized the video’s portrayal, calling it “baseless” and “fake.”
Despite differing opinions, the video has opened a critical conversation about the need for better safety measures, improved infrastructure, and cultural change in Hyderabad to ensure women feel secure in all parts of the city.