Policewomen in civvies to keep an eye on eve-teasers

Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 23

In a bid to check incidents of eve-teasing and sexual harassment at public places, the UT police have decided to depute policewomen in civil dress at public places, including markets, bus stops and malls.

An order has been issued to all SHOs by the UT SSP to depute women cops at the bus stand, bus stops, the railways station, shopping malls, markets and parks to deal with eve-teasing and sexual harassment faced by women.

The police station staff have also been asked to ensure the presence of women cops in public transport. The police believe that cases of eve-teasing and sexual harassment at public places and on public transport go unreported as the victims are apprehensive about reporting the matter to the police. “We want such incidents to come to light so that girls and women feel safe in the city,” said the police official.

Police sources said support staff would be available, which would coordinate with the women cops and provide them assistance if need be.

According to the UT police, till May 21 this year, 28 cases of molestation and obscene acts were registered in the city, besides four cases of sexual harassment and 18 cases of rape. In 2016, 84 cases of molestation and obscene acts were reported. Besides, 13 cases of sexual harassment and 72 cases of rape were registered at city police stations.