Rowdy sheeters are exploiting ganja-addicted minors for thefts and crimes to avoid direct legal consequences, prompting police to launch preventive actions and surveillance
Hyderabad: Rowdy sheeters are reportedly enlisting ganja-addicted minors to carry out thefts and other criminal activities on their behalf. This gives them a layer of insurance as the juveniles are governed by a different set of laws and enjoy greater protections.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior police officer stated, “We have detained over a dozen juvenile suspects who confessed to being recruited by rowdy sheeters to steal vehicles and other valuables.”
He added, “Based on their statements, we have taken action against five rowdy sheeters who lured these minors into criminal activities. A joint team from the Special Operations Team (SOT) and the Task Force is actively monitoring the movements of rowdy and history sheeters.”
The officer stated that stern measures were re being initiated under the Preventive Detention Act against the rowdy sheeters. “We have already issued warnings to over 560 rowdy sheeters across the tri-commissionerates. Strict legal action will follow if they continue to exploit minors or engage in organised crime,” he said.
For the first time in history, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has attached ₹101 crore worth of properties belonging to a top rowdy sheeter, Khaisar alias ‘Chor’ Kaisar, in a money laundering case. He has been accused in over 100 offences, said a senior police officer.
Asif Sohail, a prominent activist with extensive experience in urban reform and prisoner rehabilitation, noted that while the police have made significant strides in crime control, surveillance alone cannot dismantle deeply entrenched criminal networks. He urged police commissioners to take proactive steps towards reintegrating such individuals into society. “If someone is living a lavish life without a legitimate job or business, it should raise red flags,” he added.
Commenting on the involvement of minors in criminal activities, Sohail said that it went beyond mere exploitation — it amounted to grooming future crime lords.
Instead of labelling offenders as criminals, he suggested that authorities treat them like struggling students. “Yes, some are failing — but they still deserve a classroom, not a cage or a prison. We should treat crime as a disease that can be prevented and cured,” he said.
“Notorious rowdy sheeters — some incarcerated, others operating from the shadows — have readapted their tactics. We’ve observed them recruiting teenagers to carry out extortion, land grabbing, contract killings, and issuing threats, all while staying under the police radar,” said Ayesha, a social activist.
These minors are being lured with promises of quick money, status, and a false sense of belonging. “They’re being used as pawns — sent to intimidate shopkeepers, scout neighbourhoods, or facilitate illegal land deals,” said community leader Ayesha Khan from Tolichowki.
“The younger they are, the less attention they attract,” she added.
Speaking to this newspaper, Md Khajauddin said, “I was once a rowdy sheeter. But after my daughter’s death, I realised I was committing sins. I gave up all illegal activities, which led the police to remove my name from the rowdy sheet. I have now started my own business selling cloth material and am doing well. After joining the mainstream, I have counselled several youths in our locality.”
