Expressing concern over the safety of women, Haryana director general of police Shriniwas Vashisht on Monday asked his officers to deal with rape, molestation and other gender-specific cases on priority basis.

All district heads of the police department must ensure the arrest of those involved in rape and molestation cases within 24 hours and filing of chargesheets within 15 days, the DGP said, addressing senior officers of the state police through video conferencing from Chandigarh.

The field officers briefed the DGP about each case of sexual harassment in which investigation had been pending for more than 15 days. The DGP then directed that the investigation should be closely monitored by senior officers.

He also took note of some recent sexual harassment cases that had taken place in public transport vehicles.

A survey has been conducted in three districts of Hisar, Panchkula and Yamunanagar to ascertain the awareness level of drivers and conductors of the public transport system. Special efforts would be made to make them aware about safety measures to be taken in their vehicles, Vashisht said.

The DGP said a toll-free women helpline number - 1091 - has been activated and an awareness campaign has been launched to make the women aware about it.

Apart from directing cops to visit educational institutes to create awareness about women's helpline, the police chief also asked the transport department to display the number in vehicles.

Vashisht also reviewed security arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations in the state. He directed the officers to make fool-proof security arrangements at all function  venues.