Cops to launch ‘Shistachar’ squads for women’s safety

In a move to bolster women’s safety in the national capital, the Delhi Police are set to launch ‘Shistachar’ squads in all districts.

These anti-eve-teasing squads will consist of 15 trained personnel in each district, focusing on prevention, deterrence and swift response to crimes against women.

According to an official circular issued by the Delhi Police, the initiative aims to create a safer environment for women by identifying and addressing vulnerable areas.

“The District Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) will identify hotspots and vulnerable areas posing risks to women’s safety. A list of such areas identified by the district DCPs should be shared with the DCP of Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC),” the circular stated.

The deployment roster for the squads will be prepared by Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Crime Against Women (CAW) units, and will require approval from the DCP, SPUWAC, on a weekly basis.

The squads will be tasked with patrolling high-risk areas, conducting drives at vulnerable spots and carrying out surprise checks on public transport to ensure maximum coverage across their jurisdictions.

“The squads will routinely move around in vulnerable areas and conduct drives in at least two vulnerable points every day,” the circular added. It further stated that these squads will be rotated systematically to ensure all identified areas receive adequate coverage over time.

To enhance effectiveness, the squads will include plain-clothed women police officers who will work to identify and deter perpetrators discreetly.

The police have also encouraged collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) and local volunteers to strengthen surveillance in vulnerable areas.

To maintain professionalism, the Delhi Police have emphasised that personnel in these squads must be “sensitive and empathetic” towards victims. The circular instructed that the focus should remain on enforcing the law without imposing personal or cultural morality.

“The squad must focus on enforcing the law, rather than imposing personal or cultural morality on individuals,” the circular reiterated.