Thane: Cops form special teams to ensure women’s safety at Navratri celebrations

Special police teams will patrol areas in Thane on bikes and jeeps to ensure the safety of women during the ongoing festive season, the Thane police said on Thursday

Special police teams will patrol areas in Thane on bikes and jeeps to ensure the safety of women during the ongoing festive season, the Thane police said on Thursday.

The teams, with two officers and two constables, were formed after a girl was molested by four boys during a Navratri celebration in Bhiwandi last year. “Keeping that incident in mind, we have this year formed a team that will solely focus on the safety of women at the venues of celebration. They have been equipped with laptops and walkie-talkies, and will patrol the city on bikes and jeeps,” said Bharat Shelkhe, the additional commissioner of police, Thane crime branch.

Police personnel in plain clothes have been posted at spots where revellers dance.

Shelkhe said the police have also asked the organisers to take responsibility for the safety of women by ensuring proper security and fencing, so outsiders do not enter private celebrations.