Police caution RK Beach photographers over tourist complaints
City police have cautioned photographers operating at RK Beach against coercive or misleading practices and directed them to maintain professional conduct with visitors. Tourists have been advised to report any instances of harassment to the police immediately.
The warning follows a recent altercation between youths from Vijayawada and beach photographers, after which police from the III Town station intervened and bound over individuals from both sides to prevent escalation. The incident has revived long-standing complaints that some photographers allegedly take pictures without clear consent and later insist on payment.
Police said tourists are often offered low-cost deals but are subsequently photographed in multiple poses, leading to inflated charges. Visitors, particularly from other States, are frequently affected, they noted.
Tourists allege that what begins as a single photograph for a nominal rate escalates into multiple shots, with final charges running into several hundred, and in some cases, thousands of rupees.
Hyderabad resident G. Geetanjali said she was initially offered one photograph for ₹20. “But later they clicked 10 to 20 pictures. The bill increased significantly,” she said, adding that it was unclear whether deleted images were actually removed.
Several visitors also alleged that some photographers continue persuasion even after refusal, offering discounts and stressing image quality, prompting some to pay to avoid confrontation.
A senior police officer said such complaints arise occasionally, though instances of misbehaviour by intoxicated tourists have also been reported. He added that most photographers operate legitimately.
East Sub-Division ACP K. Lakshmana Murthy said a counselling session had been conducted for photographers, advising respectful conduct and warning against actions that could affect the city’s image as a tourist destination. He urged visitors to report any misconduct promptly.