How to report street harassment to SHE Teams and under BNS 2023

The Hook

You are walking back from a late-night movie or a coaching class in Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad. A group of men on bikes starts following you, passing lewd comments, or making gestures that make your skin crawl. You might feel like it is not "serious enough" to call the police, or you worry about the hassle of a station visit. Remember DCP Sumathi? In 2024, she went undercover in civilian clothes in Malkajgiri to catch exactly these kinds of harassers, leading to 40 detentions in one night. You do not need to be a police officer in disguise to reclaim your space. Whether it is a persistent stalker or a "one-time" comment, here is how you use the law and Telangana's SHE Teams to take action.

What the law actually says

As of July 1, 2024, the old Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The laws protecting you against street harassment are now more specific.

1. The Key BNS Sections

• Section 79 of the BNS (formerly Section 509 IPC): This is the primary section for "eve-teasing." It covers any word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman. This includes lewd remarks, whistling, or showing objects that intrude upon your privacy.
• Section 78 of the BNS (formerly Section 354D IPC): This defines Stalking. If a man follows you, contacts you despite your clear indication of disinterest, or monitors your use of the internet or electronic communication, he is committing a crime. Under BNS, a second conviction for stalking can lead to up to 5 years in prison.
• Section 75 of the BNS (formerly Section 354A IPC): This covers Sexual Harassment, including unwelcome physical contact, demands for sexual favours, or showing pornography against your will.
• Section 74 of the BNS (formerly Section 354 IPC): This deals with use of criminal force or assault with the intent to outrage modesty.

2. The SHE Teams Framework

Launched by the Telangana Police in 2014, SHE Teams are specialised units (often in civilian clothes) that monitor hotspots like bus stops, colleges, and parks. They operate under the "Prevention of Sexual Harassment" mandate. Unlike a regular patrol, their job is to catch harassers in the act using hidden cameras and provide a safe environment for women to complain without fear.

3. Filing the Complaint (BNSS)

Under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the police are mandated to register an FIR for cognizable offences. If the crime happens in a different jurisdiction than the station you are at, you have the right to file a Zero FIR, which the police must later transfer to the correct station.

Step-by-step playbook

Step 1: Immediate Safety and the SOS Call

If you are being followed or harassed right now, do not wait to reach home.

• Dial 100 or 112: These are recorded lines. State your location clearly (use landmarks like "near Dilsukhnagar Metro Pillar X").
• Ask for SHE Teams: Explicitly mention that you want to report a harassment incident to the SHE Teams.
• Timeline: A patrol car or a SHE Team unit in the vicinity usually responds within 5–10 minutes in urban Telangana areas.

Step 2: Use the 'Hawk-Eye' App

The Telangana Police Hawk-Eye app is your most powerful digital tool.

• Download & Register: Keep it installed and GPS-enabled.
• 'Women Travel Made Safe': Before boarding an auto or cab, enter the vehicle number. It tracks your movement and alerts your emergency contacts.
• 'SOS' Button: Pressing this sends your location and a 30-second audio/video clip to the police control room.
• Report a Violation: You can upload photos or videos of harassers anonymously through the "Report a Crime" feature.

Step 3: Contact SHE Teams via WhatsApp

Telangana SHE Teams maintain dedicated WhatsApp numbers for non-emergency but actionable complaints (e.g., a group that gathers every day at a specific spot to pass comments).

• Hyderabad/Rachakonda/Cyberabad: Use the centralised WhatsApp number +91 94906 16555.
• What to send: The location, time of occurrence, vehicle numbers (if any), and a description of the individuals. You can also send screenshots of online harassment.
• Timeline: You will receive an acknowledgment within 24 hours. A team will usually be deployed to do a recce of the spot.

Step 4: Filing an FIR at the Station

If the harassment is physical or persistent stalking, you should file an FIR (and what to do if police refuse).

• What to bring: Your ID, a written complaint (keep 2 copies), and any evidence (photos, call logs, or names of witnesses).
• The Process: Under Section 173 BNSS, the police must record your statement. For offences under Sections 74 to 79 of the BNS, the statement must be recorded by a woman police officer.
• Evidence Collection: If you are reporting online harassment or stalking, do not delete the messages. Take screenshots and save the URL of the harasser's profile.

Step 5: What to do if the Police Refuse

If an officer says "it's just a small comment" or refuses to register the FIR:

1. Cite the Law: Remind them of the Supreme Court judgment in Lalita Kumari vs. Govt. of UP (2014), which makes it mandatory to register an FIR if a cognizable offence is disclosed.
2. Use BNSS 173(4): If the SHO refuses, you can send your complaint in writing via registered post to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). If they are satisfied that a crime occurred, they will either investigate it themselves or direct an officer to do so.
3. Seek Support: If the experience is causing distress, reach out to mental health helplines (iCall, Vandrevala, NIMHANS) for immediate emotional support.

For more information on navigating the legal system, you can browse all civic-action guides.

Where it usually breaks

Even with the best laws, the ground reality can be sticky. Here is where the process often hits a wall and how you can push through:

1. The "Chalta Hai" Brush-off: You reach out, but the officer says, "It was just a comment, why ruin a boy's career?" or "Avoid that road from tomorrow."

   • The Workaround: Do not argue; cite the law. Tell them politely, "Under Section 173 of the BNSS, you are required to record my information." If they refuse to register an FIR for a cognizable offence, mention the Lalita Kumari vs. Govt. of UP (2014) Supreme Court judgment, which makes FIR registration mandatory in such cases. If the local station is unhelpful, bypass them and message the SHE Teams WhatsApp number directly—they are specifically trained to handle "minor" harassment that regular police might ignore.

2. The Tech Fail: The Hawk-Eye app crashes, or the SOS button doesn't seem to trigger.

   • The Workaround: Don't rely solely on the app. Save the Telangana State Police WhatsApp number (+91 94906 16555) and the specific SHE Team numbers for your zone (Hyderabad, Cyberabad, or Rachakonda) in your speed dial. If the app fails, a direct WhatsApp message with your "Live Location" is your fastest backup.

3. The "Compromise" Pressure: You might be pressured to "settle" the matter if the harasser’s family shows up and apologises.

   • The Workaround: You have the right to say no. Harassment under Section 78 (Stalking) and Section 79 (Insulting modesty) of the BNS are serious. If you don't want a full-blown court case, you can opt for the SHE Teams' "Counseling" route. The harasser is detained, his family is called, and he is warned/monitored. This creates a police record without an immediate jail term, but it ensures he is on the radar if he repeats it.

4. Fear of "Log Kya Kahenge": You worry that filing a complaint means your parents will find out or you'll have to visit the station repeatedly.

   • The Workaround: SHE Teams are designed for discretion. You can request them to meet you at a neutral location (like a cafe or your college gate) in civilian clothes. They often handle the initial warning or detention without making it a "public" scene.

Templates / script

1. The "Dial 100" Script (For immediate danger)

"Hello, I am [Your Name]. I am currently at [Exact Landmark/Pillar Number] in [Area Name]. I am being followed/harassed by [Number of people] on a [Vehicle description/Colour]. I feel unsafe. Please send a SHE Team or a patrol car immediately. I am staying on the line."

2. WhatsApp Complaint Template (To +91 94906 16555)

Subject: Harassment Complaint - [Location] Details:

• What happened: [e.g., Constant catcalling/following/lewd gestures]
• Location: [Google Maps Link or Landmark]
• Time/Frequency: [e.g., Every day at 6:00 PM]
• Description of Harasser: [e.g., Tall man, red shirt, Black Splendor bike TS 09 XX 0000]
• Evidence: [Attach Photo/Video/Audio if you have it]
• My Contact: [Your Number] Note: You can state "I wish to remain anonymous" if you are just reporting a hotspot.

3. Formal Complaint Draft (For FIR under Section 79 BNS)

To, The Station House Officer, [Name of Police Station, e.g., Dilsukhnagar/Malkajgiri]

Subject: Complaint regarding harassment and insult to modesty under Section 79 and Section 78 of the BNS 2023.

Respected Sir/Madam, I, [Your Name], daughter of [Parent's Name], resident of [Your Address], wish to report an incident of harassment. On [Date] at approximately [Time], near [Specific Location], an unidentified person [describe act: followed me/used lewd language/made offensive gestures].

This act has caused me mental agony and intruded upon my privacy. I request you to register an FIR under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and take necessary action.

Details of the harasser: [Vehicle number/Physical description] Attached: [Any photo/video evidence]

Yours sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

FAQs

1. Do I have to pay any fee to file a complaint with SHE Teams? No. Reporting a crime or seeking help from SHE Teams or the police is completely free. If any official asks for money to "process" your complaint, it is a bribe. You can report this to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or via the Hawk-Eye app’s "Report a Violation" section.

2. Can I report someone for harassment that happened a week ago? Yes. While immediate reporting helps catch them in the act, you can report past or recurring harassment. This is especially useful for "hotspots" where the same group of people gathers daily. SHE Teams will then deploy personnel in civilian clothes to catch them red-handed.

3. Will the police inform my parents? If you are an adult (18+), the police are not legally required to inform your parents for filing a complaint. However, for your safety, they might suggest it. If you are a minor (under 18), the police will involve your legal guardian as per the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO guidelines (if applicable).

4. What if I don't have a photo or video of the harasser? You can still file a complaint. SHE Teams often use their own hidden cameras ("discrete cameras") to verify your claim. Your statement and a description of the location/time are enough for them to start an investigation or increase patrolling in that area.

5. What is a Zero FIR? If you are at a police station that says "this area is not under our jurisdiction," you can still insist on filing a Zero FIR under Section 173 of the BNSS. They must register it and then transfer it to the correct station. This ensures no time is lost in starting the investigation.

6. Can I report online harassment to SHE Teams? Yes. SHE Teams also handle "Cyberstalking" under Section 78 of the BNS. If someone is sending you unsolicited lewd messages or monitoring your social media, you can provide screenshots to the SHE Teams via WhatsApp or the Hawk-Eye app.

7. What happens to the harasser after I complain? Depending on the severity, the police may:

• Give a strict warning in the presence of their parents (Counseling).
• File a Petty Case (fine and short detention).
• Register a full FIR under BNS, leading to arrest and a criminal record, which will show up in future job background checks.