Devotees taking bath in Jampanna Vaga during Sammakka Sarakka Maha Jatara in Medaram on Thursday. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL
The Telangana Police has urged devotees participating in Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Maha Jatara 2026 to use QR code wristbands issued to children as part of a measure to prevent minors from getting separated from their families in massive crowds.
Inspector General of Police, Multizone-2, S. Chandrasekhar Reddy said the device has already proved effective, with two children, Ariyansh, son of Muralikrishna and Milka, daughter of Gunja Nagaraju, being traced and reunited with their families within hours of their disappearance.
The IGP said that in collaboration with TGSRTC, 11 special centers have been set up on major pilgrimage routes to distribute free QR code wristbands. The centers are located at Hanumakonda Hayagrivacari Grounds, Uppal and MGBS bus stations in Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Parkal, Peddapalli, Manthani, Eturnagaram and Kataram and Warangal and Kazipet railway stations.
He explained that when a lost child is found, the QR code on the bracelet can be scanned with a smartphone to instantly display the registered contact number, allowing the police or the public to notify parents and ensure the child is found safely.
SIB IGP B. Sumathi said the system was developed in collaboration with Vodafone and appealed to the public and voluntary organizations to extend full cooperation to make the initiative a success.
She said Ariyansh, who was issued a wristband at the Karimnagar bus station, and Milky, who received one at the Hanumakonda Hayagrivacari Grounds, were both quickly traced using the QR system and reunited with their families.
Published – 29 Jan 2026 20:49 IST
