Police urge people to use new helpline

The police have started sending bulk messages to Mumbaiites, informing them of the new helpline launched on Tuesday for women to complain against incidents of sexual harassment and molestation.

The police have started sending bulk messages to Mumbaiites, informing them of the new helpline launched on Tuesday for women to complain against incidents of sexual harassment and molestation.

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The police have asked citizens to use the helplines or then log on their website and file the complaint.

Nandita Shah, co-director of NGO Akshara, which is involved in issues related to women, said: “Women should save the numbers on their mobile phones and call the helplines if they need held about an eve teasing or molestations.” Shah suggests also using the helplines to report an incident you are witnessing. “The identity of the women will be kept under wrap,” she said.

The police have sent bulk messages asking citizens to call 103 or send SMS on 7738133133 or 7738144144 to report incidents of eve-teasing or molestation. Complainants can also log on to the police website, www.mumbaipolice.org, to report incidents.

Julio Rebeiro, former Mumbai police commissioner, suggests that the police should send the bulk messages in Hindi and Marathi. “The police should try to better their image as people think whatever they do is for money and that they support criminals. This isn’t true,” he said.

MN Singh, another former city police chief, said: “The problem is not with communication but with policing. Police should have effective control on the streets.”