Women unsafe, even at agitation venue

Faced with increasing complaints of eve-teasing from women who have been thronging the Ramlila Maidan to support anti-graft campaigner Anna Hazare, the organisers have built a separate enclosure for them.

Faced with increasing complaints of eve-teasing from women who have been thronging the Ramlila Maidan to support anti-graft campaigner Anna Hazare, the organisers have built a separate enclosure for them.

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The special provision which is right in front of the main stage where Anna is fasting was set up on Tuesday night.

A white-colour placard stating ‘Kewal Mahilaye’ (women only) was put up on the top of the tent to guide women at the ground. “An enclosure has been set up by volunteers where all the women supporters are seated,” said Neeraj Kumar, member of India Against Corruption which is organising the protest.

Women volunteers ensured no breaches by male protesters.

“No separate arrangement for women was made earlier due to which we faced a lot of inconvenience. Many a times, we were harassed by groups of hooligans. We sat in the enclosure today and are feeling quite safe,” said Parul Rani, a student.

“Lawbreakers are having a field day. While some are driving without helmets, others are tripling on bikes. They also misbehave with those at the venue,” said a police official requesting anonymity.

Women say the area around Ramlila Ground has become unsafe. “One would not expect such behaviour from people who claim to be part of a movement of this nature,” said Roshinee Singh, a student who was slapped on her back while she was walking on the Ranjit Singh flyover.