‘Highhanded’ antiRomeo squads get lessons in etiquette in UP

How to behave with couples at public places? Would you punish them at the spot, force them to do situps, frisk and interrogate them, or do nothing?

Some 55 policemen who are members of Uttar Pradesh’s anti-Romeo squads were asked the question this week on the orders of the state’s director general of police following massive criticism of police high-handedness during an ongoing crackdown on sexual harassment of women at public places.

The policemen were participating in a sensitization programme aimed at correcting public perception about the drive initiated days after Yogi Adityanath took over as the chief minister, but besmirched by allegations of police excesses.

What they were asked was part of a 10-point objective questionnaire to test their tact so that they could tweak their responses while on duty.

The other questions asked included what is the objective of an anti-Romeo squad? Check crime against women, check harassment of girls and women, teach lessons to spoilt brats or to check couples sitting in public places?

Another poser pertained to how the squad members would act while doing the rounds. Should they demand ID card from couples sitting at public places and quiz them, frisk people sitting at public places, scold couples sitting at public places or do none of the above.

Senior police officials were reluctant to share how the policemen who took the test fared, but insisted the sensitization would help in bringing about a sea change to their outlook and brush up the drive’s public image.

CONTINUED ON P 5 Q1: How to behave with couples at public places?

A: Punish them at public places on the spot itself

B: People caught on the spot will be asked to do sit-ups C: Frisking and interrogation of people caught will be carried out D: None of the above Q2:Whatisthe objective of anti-Romeo squad? A: Check crime against women B: Check eve-teasing against girls, women C: Teach lesson to spoil-brats

D: To check couples sitting in public places Q3: What should anti-Romeo squad do?

A: Demand ID card from couples sitting at public places and quiz them

B: Frisk people sitting at public places C: Scold couples sitting at public places and ask them to leave the spot D: None of the above