Increasing molestation cases make Indore unsafe

Indore prides itself for being a progressive and as a city ruled by a woman like Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. Hence, it is expected that the city would be safe for women.

Indore prides itself for being a progressive and as a city ruled by a woman like Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. Hence, it is expected that the city would be safe for women.

Women-protest-against-increasing-crime-in-Indore-HT-file-photo

But, increasing cases of molestation and rising crime against women in the city is making women unsafe, especially after sunset.

The working professionals and students, who have to commute on city roads during late hours, are a scared lot.

A city, known for its night life, where women roamed freely, has suddenly turned unsafe.

Indore has a dedicated police cell called “We Care for You”, which exclusively deals with harassment faced by women.

There are special women desks at several police stations and a Mahila police station, but women still feel unsafe in the city. Dr Divya Gupta, who runs ‘Jwala’, a women’s rights organisation said: "Indore is becoming a big city, but it is no longer safe for women," she said.

Speaking about safety of women on the road, a journalist, Naaz Patel said, "Nobody is spared when it comes to harassing a woman…You are always concerned about whether you are being touched inappropriately or being subjected to vulgar comments."

Talking of solutions, Divya said, "There are two solutions to these problems. Firstly, women need to learn self-defense. And secondly, men need to be taught to respect women. This may be a slow process, but ultimately, this is the only solution to the problem."