CM talks tough on Hisar rape, police launch drive

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 14

Alarmed at the spurt in crimes against women, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today talked tough with the police top brass, following which the police launched a special month-long drive against criminals.

Apparently miffed at the handling of the Uklana rape and murder case, Khattar minced no words at a meeting attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) SS Prasad and DGP BS Sandhu, and directed them to take steps to prevent such incidents.

So, the police announced the drive from December 14 to January 15. Its focus is to prevent crimes against women and detect drug smuggling, besides a crack down on most-wanted criminals.

All Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police have been directed to put in place a “women’s safety action plan” to instill a sense of security among people in general and women in particular.

Under the plan, senior police officials will visit educational institutions, business establishments and factories, where women have a sizeable presence. Girl students will be encouraged to use the women’s helpline (1091) to report crimes against them.

Villages panchayats will be roped in to seek their help to organise special sensitisation programmes with youths. “The police have identified 118 eve-teasing-prone points in the state. Adequate police force is being deployed there,” sources said.

Gazetted officers will supervise the investigation into crimes against women.

Meanwhile, monthly compliance reports of all units have to reach the police headquarters by 5th of every month. OP Singh, ADGP (Human Rights and Litigation) will monitor the reports.