Gurugram, July 7
Following an extensive survey and review of complaints filed, the Gurugram police have identified over 25 hotspots unsafe for women across the city. Citing CCTV cameras as the biggest deterrent and investigation tool in such cases, the police have asked the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to install the cameras at these spots immediately.
Cameras biggest investigative tool
CCTV cameras are the biggest investigative tool. A majority of the hotspots identified are not under the CCTV surveillance. We had initially identified 40 spots, but the GMDA installed cameras at some locations, so now, we have over 25 spots that need attention. Many spots not only lack CCTV cameras but also streetlights, which threaten women security. Every area has specific problems and we have sought a solution for these . — A senior police official at the police headquarters, Gurugram
vulnerable spots
Locations such as Vatika Chowk in Sector 49, Govt Girls’ College in Sector 52 and Sikanderpur Metro station were major hotspots after the survey. Other areas that have been listed are near MG Road Metro station, IFFCO Chowk Metro station, Sectors 22, 29, 48, IMT-Manesar crossing and Devilal Park in Old Gurgaon
850 women police personnel in city
- There are nearly 850 women police personnel in the city and they have been deployed at major locations, including the hotspots
- Lack of proper illumination at these hospots makes these sites vulnerable to crime in the evening
- A majority of instances from here have been reported after sunset
Unique identification Nos must for autos
Virender Vij, DCP (traffic and crime against women), said the police had launched a mobile application last year where women could reach out to the police immediately in cases of emergency. The police had already made unique identification numbers mandatory for all auto-rickshaws plying on the city roads. Serial numbers of the autos and the drivers’ pictures had to be registered with the Regional Transport Authority.
According to the letter written to the GMDA, the report of the survey was prepared based on the number of FIRs and complaints of harassment, molestation and stalking filed this year. Locations such as Vatika Chowk in Sector 49, Govt Girls’ College in Sector 52 and Sikanderpur Metro station were major hotspots after the survey. Other areas that have been listed as hotspots are near MG Road Metro station, IFFCO Chowk Metro station, Sectors 22, 29, 48, IMT-Manesar crossing and Devilal Park in Old Gurgaon. The police have asked the authority to install the cameras at these locations as it will help in constant monitoring, identification and tracking of criminals and anti-social elements. The police have also highlighted lack of proper illumination at these hospots, which make these sites vulnerable to crime in the evening. A majority of instances from here have been reported after sunset.
“CCTV cameras are the biggest investigative tool. A majority of the hotspots identified are not under the CCTV surveillance. We had initially identified 40 spots, but the GMDA installed cameras at some locations, so now, we have over 25 spots that need attention. Many spots not only lack CCTV cameras but also streetlights, which threaten women security. Every area has specific problems and we have sought a solution for these,” said a senior cop at the police headquarters. According to the police, female constables have been deployed at these places for prompt assistance.
Virender Vij, DCP (traffic and crime against women), said the police had launched a mobile application last year where women could reach out to the police immediately in cases of emergency. The police had already made unique identification numbers mandatory for all auto-rickshaws plying on the city roads. Serial numbers of the autos and the drivers’ pictures had to be registered with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).
There were nearly 850 women police personnel in the city and they had been deployed at major locations, including the hotspots.
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