Women activists urge DGP to change term ‘Romeo’

LUCKNOW: A group of women activists met UP director general of police (DGP), Javeed Ahmad, and submitted a letter requesting him to change the name of anti-Romeo squad. The activists said the name suggested that there wasn’t any difference between couples in love and harassers. They also said the name Romeo comes from a Shakespearean play that symbolises love. Thus term ‘anti-Romeo’ conveys that the government was against love and lovers, they added.

Lucknow: After drawing flak from all quarters for harassment of youths by the anti-Romeo squads of the UP Police, DGP Javeed Ahmad on Saturday warned against harassment of youths and stern action against cops found guilty. A police officer of the rank of circle officer will now supervise the working of these anti-Romeo squads and a senior level officer will daily brief the squads about do’s and dont’s . The DGP said women cops must accompany the squad while carrying out a raid at shopping malls, parks and other public places. The squads must first do proper recce by deploying women cops in civvies and then take necessary action against youths found involved in harassment of girls.