Police focus on last-mile link for women’s safety

To ensure women do not face problems while returning late from work, police have spoken to Delhi government’s transport department for improving last-mile connectivity services. Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik told HT that police identified stretches across the city frequently used by women returning from work.

“If there is last-mile connectivity it becomes an advantage. We are also working to ensure that all such areas have CCTV cameras and are properly lit. Crimes tend to happen in dark stretches. We are in touch with all agencies to have well lit areas.”

In 2016, there was at least one rape case reported every fourth hour. 2,155 rape cases were reported in Delhi last year in comparison 2,199 cases in 2015.

Patnaik said that beginning this month, cycle patrolling has started in parks and congested areas. Police conducted an internal survey to identify places frequented by women joggers and senior citizens. “This is the first time police have eyes inside such parks. Our men cycle around parks to ensure that women are not harassed. We will increase the strength of cycle patrols in the coming days,” he said.

Before cycle patrolling was started on June 1, police had to patrol parks on foot. Motorcycles that the police have are not allowed inside parks.

On tackling problems of rape in Delhi, the police chief said that such crimes can be prevented if all agencies come together. “More than 96% rapes in Delhi are committed by those known to the women and minor girls. It is a social problem. Respect for the opposite sex should be taught from childhood.”

The commissioner said families and schools must encourage that a child learns the value of respecting women. Patnaik said such an awareness campaign should be held extensively in under privileged areas around the city. An analysis of the rape cases by HT recently showed that most cases were reported in slums and those in poor and lower middle class societies. Patnaik also said that pornography on internet was also a reason behind teenagers trying such acts. “We are raising awareness across schools in the city. I request parents and families to ensure that children are protected from such things on the internet. We are always there to tackle but it will help if they help protect their kids,” he said.