DELHI POLICE BEEF UP SECURITY IN DU
Officers on motorbike and bicycle patrol, CCTV cameras, and safety applications — Delhi Police have come up with neverbefore security arrangements in DU’s North Campus
The admission season in Delhi University has begun, and like every year, the Delhi Police have rolled up their sleeves to ensure safety and security in the varsity’s North Campus. But this year, the intensity of the security measures has been stepped up: The force have deployed 300 cops to patrol the area on bikes and PCR vans during the day, around 200 of which are private security personnel, whose assimilation within the overall security scheme on the campus, has been institutionalised under the force’s Prahari scheme.
“This time, the greater focus is on women’s safety. We have elaborate security arrangements to instill a feeling of confidence among students visiting the campus from various parts of the country and abroad,” says Jatin Narwal, DCP North District.
“The police staff deployed is well-acquainted with academic issues, and is ready to provide help to students. And our security measures have been planned accordingly. The officers are not only deployed in uniform, but a strong team patrols in civil dress, too,” he shares.
What’s more: the officials have also held meetings with the principals of colleges and RWAs to address their queries. “We are discussing the installation of CCTV cameras and proper access control inside the premises of the varsity, and areas that have PGs. We have male cops on bicycle patrol as well,” adds Narwal. For base points for car and bike patrolling, the force has chosen the most crowded areas in the campus, including the Patel Chest Institute, and the busy Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station.
“Though there are base points, the cops patrol throughout the day in the campus lanes, at bus stops and metro stations. The purpose of bikes and bicycles is to reach those areas where there is no accessibility through cars,” says Ramavtar Tyagi, SHO, Maurice Nagar Police Station, which is a model police station and has a higher number of female officers.
“During patrolling, our cops brief students about the women safety initiatives of Delhi Police: the Himmat Plus App; Sashakti, a self-defence training initiative by Delhi Police; and women helpline numbers. There are six Himmat Plus standees in the area, including those at Miranda House, Hansraj College, and the PG Women’s Hostel,” Tyagi adds.
Nikita Kukreja, who has graduated from the university, shares, “I’m from Chandigarh, and in the initial days of admission process, I faced some difficulties because Delhi was new for me. The vigil will not just help in tightening the security but applicants will also get assistance. South campus should also come up with such plans.”
During patrolling, cops brief students about the women safety initiatives of Delhi Police: the Himmat Plus App; Sashakti, a selfdefence training initiative by Delhi Police; and women helpline numbers. RAMAVTAR TYAGI SHO, MAURICE NAGAR POLICE STATION