Complaints related to violence against women are increasing at the Women Protection Helplines and police stations in the State. Around 15 to 20 such complaints are being reported daily at the district women protection helplines and the police stations.
In order to strengthen women protection helplines in the State, the police have sent proposal to the administration for creating posts of police personnel deputed at State Women Protection Helplines but this issue is still pending before the State administration for over last two years. The State police has sent several reminders but the issue remains pending with the state administration, said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.
State women protection helpline in-charge Additional SP Mamta Vohra said that the helplines at police headquarters level and district level have been formed after the 2012 gang rape incident in Delhi.
Women of the State who are facing problems related to domestic violence, eve-teasing or any other gender crimes can report at police headquarters toll- free number 18001804111 or can send SMS on mobile number-9411112780. Police would act swiftly after bring informed about the same.
At district level, women protection helplines have been set up with provision for women to register their complaint on toll free number 1090. Statistics reveal that from January to May 31, 2016, a total of 2104 complaints related to the above stated aspects were received at police headquarter level and district level with nine FIRs being registered too. Most of complaints were redressed after police acted swiftly while work is on for redressal of the remaining 81 complaints, said the officer.
A total of 5580 complaints were received from women complainants in 2015 and FIRs were lodged in 12 of these cases. A total of 6941 complaints were received by the helplines in 2014 and 53 FIRs were registered against the accused. Additionally, 32 32 false calls were also received at the women protection helplines in 2013 with 65 fake calls in 2014, one in 2015 and three in 2016 so far.
Another police officer said that in order strengthen manpower at state women protection helplines or district women protection helplines, a proposal has been sent to the state administration. As per proposal, a police officer of the rank of SP should be posted at Police Headquarters Women Protection Helplines, assisted by one DSP, one inspector, three sub-inspectors, one head constable and six constables.
In four big districts- Haridwar, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar and Dehradun, one inspector, two sub-inspectors, three head constables and 12 constables should be appointed. In mountainous districts, two sub-inspectors, two head constables and eight constables should be appointed. However, this issue is pending before the state administration.