Hyderabad, Sep 23 (IANS): Police here picked up 56 suspects during a massive cordon and search operation Tuesday.

As many as 350 policemen participated in the door-to-door search operation in Mangod Basti situated in the heart of the city and a locality notorious for providing shelter to criminals.

A police officer said they conducted the surprise operation to track down criminals with the help of Google maps.

The arrested people, including women, are involved in burglaries, pick-pocketing and theft of two-wheelers. They also include three criminals allegedly involved in two murder cases.

Police personnel from various wings formed the 35 teams that searched the locality situated in the Mallepally area. They faced some resistance from locals, including women who threatened self-immolation. The women police swung into action to overpower them.

Police seized cash, valuables, two-wheelers and pump motors.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (west zone) V. Satyanarayana told reporters that it is part of efforts to make Hyderabad a crime-free city. "It was only to target criminals and instil a sense of security among people," he said.

He said the police will undertake similar operations in other areas to control crime.