Mumbai: Cops form 93 squads to curb harassment of women on Dec 31

With a number of incidents of harassment and molestation reported across several parts of the city on New Year’s Eve last year, the city police have formed 93 squads to ensure women’s safety.

With a number of incidents of harassment and molestation reported across several parts of the city on New Year’s Eve last year, the city police have formed 93 squads to ensure women’s safety.

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In a high-level meeting, it was decided that each police station will have one squad of personnel responsible for apprehending those targeting women, especially those taking advantage of large crowds, on December 31. Accordingly, all 93 police stations in the city will have a team comprising of an officer and at least 4 policemen.

“We are determined to provide a secure atmosphere for all women who want to step out to celebrate. As a part of the plan, teams of women beat marshals will be patrolling the streets during the day. However, they will be taken off patrol duty in the evening,” said Dhananjay Kulkarni, spokesperson for the Mumbai police.

Since crowds are likely to travel in groups and may assemble at snack stalls and other establishments, other police teams will work on maintaining security where unruly crowds are likely to gather.

The social service branch (SSB) of the city police will also be taking action against food joints that are running without proper documents. In case additional personnel are required, the authorities will arrange them from the local police station.

“All hotels and food joints operating without proper documents will be prosecuted. We have formed several teams, who will be moving around in the city in the next few days,” said Pravinkumar Patil, deputy commissioner of police (enforcement).

Those who need to lodge a complaint with the police can dial the emergency helpline number - 100 - or the women’s helpline number - 103. Apart from these helplines, elderly residents can also approach the police on 1090.