Illegal cyber cafes face police whip

City police are all set to crack the whip on illegal internet centres which are violating norms and regulations of the Hyderabad Police Act. According to police sources, hundereds of Internet cafes have been operating without the authorisation from the Police Department in the Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. As per Hyderabad police guidelines, every browsing centres has to maintain a log book, CC cameras and contact details of the visitors. Besides, internet cafes offer special tariff for couples. “We offer special tariff to couple as they want to chat and use internet. We provide special cabins to them as per their convenience,’’ said Ahmmad Khan, an internet operator in Old City. Replying to a query, he said that, “if we comply with all the rules and regulations, we will lose our regular customers.’’ Even in Khairatabad, Punjagutta and Ameerpet, Internet centres do not maintain log books to keep track of visitors and their activities. “Initially, we maintained log books and registered visitors names and their contact details. But the customers are reluctant to give their details,’’ said an Internet centre owner at Ameerpet. Though the browsing centres are violating rules and regulations, police are not initiating action against them. However, B Prasada Rao, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, said, “We have identified hundreds of Internet centres which are violating rules and regulations. Owners who have failed to maintain log books and install CCTVs inside their cafes have been issued notices earlier. Instructions have already been given to all police stations in the Hyderabad Commissionerate to crack down the whip on illegal Internet centres.’’ By MOULI MAREEDU