VC Sajjanar Debunks WhatsApp Kidnap Rumour
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad city police have dismissed as false a viral WhatsApp message claiming that a woman was entering gated communities and attempting to lure children with chocolates.
In an advisory, police said no such incidents or organised gangs had been reported in the city. “The message circulating about a woman trying to lure children is completely false. No such incidents or gangs have been reported,” the advisory said.
Rumour spreads across residential groups
The message, which circulated widely across WhatsApp and Residential Welfare Association groups, claimed that a 20-year-old woman was targeting children inside gated communities. An artificial intelligence-generated photograph was attached and shared as a warning.
The viral alert named apartment complexes including Aparna Zicon, Mapsko Casabella, Sapphire 83, Rainbow Vistas P2 and Candeur Landmark. While some of these are located in Hyderabad, others are situated in Bengaluru and Gurugram.
Residents and representatives of the named communities denied any such incident. The Rainbow Vistas Welfare Association also refuted the claims.
Police caution against panic and vigilantism
V C Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, described the campaign as false and urged citizens not to believe or forward unverified messages.
“Citizens should not believe or forward unverified messages. Do not trust messages that create panic. Do not take the law into your hands. If you notice any suspicious information, inform the police. We will verify the facts and take action. Trust official information, not forwarded messages. Verify first and act responsibly,” Sajjanar said in a post on X.
Fake News Alert 🚨
The message circulating about a woman who is trying to lure children in the city is completely false. No such incidents or gangs have been reported.
Citizens are advised not to believe or forward unverified messages that create panic. Please do not take the… pic.twitter.com/4e8faIC9Mh
— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC) February 17, 2026
Police advised residents to immediately inform the nearest police station if they notice any suspicious person or activity. Officials said they would verify the facts and take appropriate action.
