The Koraput Police led by ASP Sagarika Nath have formed an anti-Romeo squad in the district to check the frequent incidents of harassment to girls by eve-teasers while going to schools, college, tutorials and computer classes.
“In recent times, we received several complaints at various urban police station areas that the girl students are being harassed by eve-teasers, who pass lewd comments. Hence, to ensure the safety of girls, the squad has been formed,” said Koraput SP Kanwar Vishal Singh.
ASP Nath, who heads the squad, said: “Blocking is done in and around schools and colleges and also almost all the major junctions from where complaints have been received. Our men in uniforms and also in civil have been asked to keep an eye on unwarranted acts. Action is being taken only if the squad identifies unwarranted gestures by a person.”
“Also, during blocking near the educational institutes, the squad impounds bikes having no number plates, triple riding, rash driving and over-speeding after confiscating the bikes.
The parents of the offenders are called to the police station where we try to convey the message that such behaviour is reckless and leads to damaging future of the child.
While for the first time offence, the offender is left with a warning, they are told that legal action will be taken if caught next time,” Nath said.
During its campaign at Jeypore since Thursday, the squad has caught over 50 offenders from various locations of the town on charges of rash-driving and eve-teasing.
Sradhanjali Nayak of Class 11 said, “Day by day Jeypore is becoming unsafe as a lot of youngsters are diverted towards easy income and with their costly bikes they follow us where ever we go alone.
So such steps will really help us to move freely.”