UT comes up with guidelines for safety of runaway couples

Following the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the UT Home Department has issued guidelines to deal with the issue of safety and security of runaway couples.

According to a notification issued by the department, the SP (City) shall act as the state nodal officer, who shall be accountable for ensuring strict compliance with the guidelines.

The runaway couples may use ‘112’ Emergency Response Service against the threat/crime against them. The UT police have created a link on their website as “Special Cell for Protection of the Runaway Couples” to enable victims raise their grievance without the necessity of being physically present at a police station.

After receiving a call, a PCR vehicle will be moved to the spot. The duty officer along with officials of Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) will also rush to the spot. The duty officer will make an assessment of the threat to the newly married runaway couples and provide them security, if required. Immediate steps will be taken to shift them to a safe place. The runaway couple will be admitted to Protection Home in Sector 19-B. In case of minor, she/he will be sent to Aashiana, Sector 15.

The SHO of each police station will inquire into and address representations received from runaway couples. The proceedings have to be conducted in the presence of a lady police officer. The SHO will have to decide the representation after providing an opportunity for a hearing to both the applicants and the persons against whom the threat allegations have been made. The inquiry has to be completed within three days. The SHO shall have the authority to take immediate steps to provide shelter and protection to the applicant.

The sub divisional police officer/DSP concerned will act as the appellate authority.