Hyderabad Police Record 565 Servant Theft Cases Including 45 In Charminar
Hyderabad Police recorded 565 cases of servant theft across the city over the last two-and-a-half years, including 45 cases in the Charminar zone, highlighting growing security concerns caused by a lack of background checks and police verification when hiring domestic workers.
Data compiled by law enforcement shows that the Jubilee Hills zone recorded the highest number of incidents at 173 cases, followed by Secunderabad with 88, Khairatabad with 77, Golconda with 70, Rajendranagar with 63, Shamshabad with 49, and Charminar with 45. Although annual cases declined from 173 in 2024 to 149 in 2025, police officials stated that the overall trend remains a serious concern and stays significantly higher than in earlier years.
Police analysis indicates that many of these crimes occurred due to negligence by homeowners and business owners who skipped background checks and official verification. Rather than acting impulsively, accused workers often spent time building trust, studying daily household routines, identifying where valuables were stored, and waiting for an opportunity to steal cash and jewellery. IT professionals, students living alone, and elderly residents were among the most frequent victims, particularly in upscale residential complexes and commercial areas where busy lifestyles often lead to hasty hiring.
The police analysis also uncovered instances involving organised gangs from other states and abroad who gained entry into households by posing as domestic workers. In a key case on May 8, Tanuja Ranjan, wife of retired IPS officer Vinay Ranjan, was allegedly murdered by domestic help during a suspected theft at her residence in Prashasan Nagar, located within Jubilee Hills police station limits.
In response to the surge in financial losses and safety risks, Hyderabad Police issued an advisory urging residents to verify every domestic worker's Aadhaar or valid ID card, photo, and permanent address. Authorities advised confirming agency credentials, keeping gated community visitor records and CCTVs active, and avoiding discussions about travel plans or valuables in front of help. Residents can report suspicious activity by dialling 100 or messaging 9490616555 on WhatsApp.
