Telangana Police Debunk Myths: Suspect Sheets a Long-Standing Practice, Not New BNS Tactic Against Social Media Users

In a move to dispel burgeoning misinformation, the Telangana Police have emphatically clarified that the practice of maintaining "suspect sheets" is a long-established procedure, predating the recent implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This clarification comes amidst public discourse suggesting that these sheets are a new tool under the BNS specifically targeting individuals for their activities on social media platforms.

Police officials revealed that suspect sheets have been an integral part of their operational framework for decades, used primarily to monitor individuals with a history of criminal activity or involvement in anti-social behavior.

The primary objective is preventative: to keep tabs on such individuals and deter them from committing further offenses, thereby maintaining law and order within communities.

Contrary to popular belief, the data presented by the Telangana Police paints a very different picture regarding social media offenders.

Since the BNS came into force on March 1, 2024, a total of 79 suspect sheets have been opened across the state. A striking statistic, however, is that out of these 79 individuals, a mere one person has been identified and placed on a suspect sheet due to offenses related to social media activity. The overwhelming majority of these new entries are what police term "habitual offenders," including those involved in property crimes, gambling, or known as "rowdy-sheeters" with a history of public disturbances.

The Telangana Police firmly refuted allegations that they are indiscriminately targeting social media users under the guise of the new BNS.

They underscored that the existing legal framework under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) governs the opening and maintenance of suspect sheets. While the BNS is set to eventually replace the CrPC, the current procedural guidelines remain under the older code, ensuring continuity and adherence to established legal practices.

Officials further elaborated on the distinction between "suspect sheets" and "history sheets." A suspect sheet is a proactive monitoring tool designed for individuals who show tendencies towards criminal behavior but may not have a long, severe criminal record.

In contrast, a history sheet is reserved for more serious and established criminals, typically those with multiple convictions for grave offenses. The decision to open a suspect sheet is not arbitrary; it is based on meticulous police station records, local intelligence, and a comprehensive assessment of an individual's past conduct and potential for future anti-social acts.

The legality and procedural correctness of maintaining suspect sheets have also been previously affirmed by the High Court, which has provided clear guidelines on their proper use and the rights of individuals listed.

This legal backing further reinforces the police's stance that the practice is a legitimate and necessary component of their law enforcement duties, aimed at ensuring public safety rather than stifling legitimate expression or unfairly targeting specific groups.

In essence, the Telangana Police's clarification serves as a crucial reminder that established police procedures, often rooted in older legal frameworks, continue to be applied thoughtfully and deliberately.

The current data strongly indicates that the focus remains on traditional criminal elements, with social media offenses representing a minuscule fraction of individuals under such scrutiny, directly countering the narrative of a widespread crackdown facilitated by new laws.