Call 103, help will be there in 10 minutes

No society in the world has a zero percent crime rate. As the population increases, crimes against women will also increase and this is what is happening in Mumbai. The police force is doing its best in registering and solving crimes.

Tamboli is the deputy commissioner of police and spokesperson, Mumbai police

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Why are crimes against women in the city increasing? Are the police handling it effectively?
No society in the world has a zero percent crime rate. As the population increases, crimes against women will also increase and this is what is happening in Mumbai. The police force is doing its best in registering and solving crimes.

What steps are the police taking to curb such incidents?
The helpine (103) is very useful. It provides information and help will reach within three to ten minutes.

The Supreme Court has directed all states to post plainclothes women police officials at railway stations and other public places. Have the Mumbai police implemented this?
I have not heard about this directive so far and therefore cannot comment.

Many times the public chooses not to intervene when women are being harassed as they don't want to get involved with the police. Is that a reason why such crimes are happening publicly?
People don't want to get involved because of the legal troubles that will follow. Even the police can solve cases faster if witnesses cooperate.

Varsha Gaikwad
Gaikwad is the minister for women and child welfare.

Are weak laws encouraging more cases of sexual harassment in the city?
It is essential that laws are strengthened to deal with the issue, and we are in the process of forming a committee to look into the draft bill that will make sexual harassment a non-bailable offence.

The Supreme Court has directed that plainclothes women police officials be posted at public places. Will that help curb harassment?
It will be very helpful in stopping harassment of women in such places. I have read about this and will discuss the matter with the home minister soon.

How can women's safety be improved in the city?
Fast-track justice, public awareness and a change in attitude will help reduce incidents of harassment.

- Mugdha Variyar