6 ‘Viranganas’ join Raftaar Squad to curb street crime in Shimla

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 2

The Raftaar Squad or the bikers’ group of the Shimla police, considered as the “moving lifeline” of the town, is being strengthened with the addition of six women.

These women of the ‘Virangana on wheels’ initiative will be on the move to ensure women safety, to keep a watch on anti-social elements, who indulge in eve-teasing, and to come to the aid of victims of domestic violence. The initiative is mainly aimed at curbing street crimes against women.

As many as 16 trained police personnel from the traffic police respond to road and traffic emergencies in the city and with the addition of women, the number will increase to 22. The squad addresses issues related to road accidents, traffic congestion, idle parking, VIP movement, besides maintaining law and order.

Group addresses road emergencies

• As many as 16 trained personnel from the traffic police respond to road and traffic emergencies in the city and now with the addition of women, the number will increase to 22
• The bikers’ group known as Raftaar Squad addresses issues related to road accidents, traffic congestion, idle parking, VIP movement, besides maintaining law and order

The squad members ride modified Bullet and Pulsar bikes that are equipped with light and hooting system with antenna. The town is divided into eight sectors with two cops in each sector.

The control room immediately informs them about accidents, traffic congestion or other road-related issues through hands-free wifi gadgets and the response time is five to seven minutes.

“Also known as the ‘Lifeline on Move’ for Shimla town, the smart biker model is successful for a hilly terrain like Shimla and is more effective than four wheelers, says Shimla SP Mohit Chawla, adding that it is a visionary solution for handling traffic problems in a congested city.

In all, 20 women riders have been introduced in the district, out of which six are in the Raftaar Squad of Shimla town. Their operational routes would be defined tomorrow. The squad has a modern look and these bikers will be equipped with the Global Positioning system (GPS) soon. The number of members in Raftaar Squad has increased to 22 now and we hope it will further increase to 40 (five for each sector), he said.