IMT Manesar: Where women workers fear to step out after sunset

Women safety in the otherwise bustling Industrial Model Township I(IMT) in Manesar, off the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, has been an issue of concern . More so after private security guards were removed two years ago.

Women safety in the otherwise bustling Industrial Model Township (IMT) in Manesar, off the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, has been an issue of concern . More so after private security guards were removed two years ago.

Spread over nearly 3,000 acres, the township comprises over 2,000 companies, most of them production units. Of the 1.5 lakh employees that work there, nearly 20,000 are women. (HT File Photo)

In the absence of police personnel, streetlights and CCTV cameras, moving in the area post dusk is a daunting task for women working in industrial units there.

The murder of a woman and a girl, whose bodies were found in a plot near the township on Monday morning, has once again exposed the flaws in the security system of the area.

A few days ago, a number of women working in different industrial units at IMT shared their security concerns through videos on social media groups. Citing lack of security arrangements in the township, these women pointed out how it was nearly impossible for them to venture out of their offices post sunset.

“We do not dare to come out on roads after sunset. Mischief mongers on two-wheelers with no registration numbers are always on the prowl. Some of them pass lewd remarks while others snatch bags,” said a woman who works at a company in Sector 7.

Spread over nearly 3,000 acres, the township comprises over 2,000 companies, most of them production units. Of the 1.5 lakh employees that work there, nearly 20,000 are women, according to the figures compiled by industry associations.

“The number of snatching cases rises after seventh of every month when we get our salaries. We have requested police for help several times, but in vain. The risk of being attacked by bike-borne men is increasing by the day,” said another woman in the video.

Till two years ago, private security guards were deployed in the township.

“The security guards were removed two years ago. We have been asking police to at least provide us some PCR vans and CCTV cameras. We are still waiting for any action by police,” said Manoj Tyagi, general secretary, IMT Industrial Association.

A week ago, office bearers of the industry association met policemen to formulate a security plan for the industrial township. At the meet, it was decided that the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation limited (HSIIDC) will provide some vans to police for patrolling.

“We are working on improving the security apparatus. HSIIDC will give some vans for patrolling and CCTV cameras will soon be installed in the area,” said assistant commissioner of police (ACP), Manesar, Dharamveer Singh.

Police data suggest that the area records one snatching incident every two days. The actual figure, the industry association claimed, is much more as most such cases are not registered.