Hyderabad: Prostitution headache for women on night shifts

 Hyderabad: Women workers, especially those who work on night shifts and come home late are bearing the brunt of prostitution in many parts of the city. They are put to unbearable difficulties when confronted with “customers” asking them “weird” questions.

A sting operation conducted by Deccan Chronicle found that there are several lodges and OYO hotels entertaining prostitution at dozens of public places during nights on a partnership basis.

“It was 12.15 am. I was waiting for my husband near the former CM’s camp office in Somajiguda holding a wheeled suitcase. Initially, two guys stopped and asked me whether I wanted a lift, and later four other bikers asked me in Hindi, `kya rate hai aap ka` (What is your rate?” a visibly shaken woman told Deccan Chronicle.

“I was scared as they seemed to be drunk. As soon as my husband reached, they fled on their bikes,” Akansha, who came from Bengaluru to attend a marriage function in the city, said.

“Later, my husband's friends told me there are prostitutes in the surrounding areas and it was a mistaken identity,” Akansha said.

Women students and workers who pass by or stand in the surrounding areas are not aware of these illegal practices. They are haunted by “customers”.

Another victim, who did not disclose her name, said, “I was waiting for a privater bus near Red Rose hotel, Erramanzil, to go to my native place in AP. A few people on bikes and some in an auto rickshaw were staring at me and making indecent gestures at me.”

Lodges in twin cities encourage prostitution as they run out of business, said Ahad Qureshi, a senior advocate. He said, local police should stop this illegal business that embarrasses innocent women and families.

INDECENT PROPOSAL

Indecent behavior by men were noticed at:

Ambica Lodge, Panjagutta, a few yards from Panjagutta police station.

Lane beside IMAX theater, a few yards from TS secretariat.

Five lodges opposite Secunderabad railway station.

MGBS bus stand, Krishnagar, Madhapur, JBS bus stand, lodges in Nampally, Bazarghat, Afzalgunj, Abdullapurmet main road, Dairy Farm road.

19 lodges in Saroornagar, LB Nagar, Vanasthalipuram and Chaitanyapuri police station limits.

Most of the places are notorious for organised prostitution.