Women police squads formed to curb hooliganism in Delhi on Holi

A ban has been imposed on sale of rubber balloons measuring more than two inches when uninflated, to discourage people from hitting pedestrians with water-filled balloons and avoid repetition of last year’s complaints of college students who alleged they were hit with “semen-filled” balloons.

In order to stop hooliganism and harassment in the form of throwing water-filled balloons and forcefully applying colours, the Delhi Police on Tuesday said they have formed 50 women squads that are camping across the national capital on motorcycles and scooters, especially in areas frequented by women.

To stop hooliganism and harassment in the form of throwing water-filled balloons and forcefully applying colours, Delhi Police said they have formed 50 women squads that are camping across the national capital on motorcycles and scooters. (HT Photo)

Overall, a total of about 30,000 police personnel will be on duty across the city on the festival day, officials said.

A ban has been imposed on the sale of rubber balloons measuring more than two inches or more, when un-inflated, to discourage people from hitting pedestrians with water-filled balloons and avoid repetition of last year’s complaints of college students who alleged they were hit with “semen-filled” balloons.

The incidents had triggered an outrage among students of some women’s colleges in south Delhi, who had held a protest outside the Delhi Police headquarters. The forensic reports later showed that the “sticky liquid” in the balloons was not “semen”.

Deputy commissioner of police (southeast) Chinmoy Biswal said that they have deployed women police personnel in emergency response vehicles (ERVs) for patrolling sensitive areas and to educate people about the legal consequences they would face if they care caught in hooliganism or harassing women. “The women cops are making the announcements using the public address system installed in the ERVs,” he said.

“The objective behind introducing group patrolling teams (patrolling on motorcycle, vans, foot) on streets is to ensure that women are not harassed by hooligans in the name of celebration. Apart from these teams, senior police officers, including DCPs and ACPs, are doing foot patrolling in sensitive areas and educating people about the legal actions they may face if caught in any hooliganism,” said Srivastava.

Deputy commissioner of police (north) Nupur Prasad said that elaborate police arrangements, especially in areas in and around university campus, have been made to ensure safety and security of people during the Holi festival on Thursday.

“Patrolling has been intensified and picket teams comprising women police personnel have been deployed in the North Campus area, especially near the hostels,” she said.

The Delhi Traffic Police has also made elaborate arrangements. Teams with alcometers have been deployed at major intersections and vulnerable points to detect and prosecute traffic violators. The motorists have been advised to obey the traffic rules and not to drink and drive, said a traffic police officer