‘Put on your best behaviour’

The Delhi Police chief wants his men to behave better with women from the northeastern part of the country, reports Vijaita Singh.

The Delhi Police chief wants his men to behave better with women from the northeastern part of the country.

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In a circular, police commissioner Y.S. Dadwal has asked his men to adopt a “zero tolerance policy” as far as crime against women from northeastern states are concerned.

Even police control room (PCR) staff who answer helpline numbers (100, 1090) are being trained how to answer the grievance calls of women from northeastern states.

Three district deputy commissioners of police have been appointed to deal with issues of the community.

“If there is any complaint that any girl from the northeast has reported about eve teasing, stalking, vulgar SMS and no follow-up action was taken by the police, then a serious action will be taken against the concerned policeman and also the Station House Officer (SHO) who is expected to lead from the front,” said Dadwal in the order.

The police have been asked to identify the areas where people and students from the northeast live and intensify beat patrolling in these pockets.

“The beat constables in such areas should be sensitized to establish close interaction with the community leaders and the area SHO must have a quarterly meeting with them,” the order said.

On October 18, two men reportedly tried to pull into their car a woman from the northeast in Sarojini Nagar area of south Delhi when she was on her way home.

On October 12, a couple from Nagaland alleged they were beaten up by drunk men in Safdarjung enclave area and the police did not register their case.

“A special sensitisation programme be organised by the DCP-PCR for the policemen manning the help lines,” said the order.

DCPs of north, east and south districts have been appointed as the nodal officers for the northeastern community living in north, trans-Yamuna and southern parts of the city.

“The nodal DCPs should also send minutes of meetings to the joint commissioner of police with their recommendations and ensure that proper action is taken,” said the order.

Many problems such as stalking or sending unwanted text messages can be nipped in the bud if the concerned person “is contacted and asked to behave himself and not harass the individual concerned,” the order said.