In a novel initiative to boost confidence among women and instil a sense of fear among eve-teasers, Delhi Police has launched a campaign in Delhi University where girls, trained in unarmed combat, will patrol crime-prone areas along with policewomen and catch anybody making nuisance. The campaign ‘She to Shakti’ was launched at the varsity’s North Campus. Girls will be patrolling in groups of 20.
“They have also been given especially-designed khaki jackets with ‘Shakti’ written on it,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) North district Madhur Verma said on Sunday. “It was observed that women, if given a chance and a systematic platform, were willing to join hands with law enforcement machinery to contribute towards women’s safety,” he said.
In order to place an effective check on crimes against women, including eve-teasing, near sensitive areas like girls’ hostel, Metro stations, bus stands, marketplaces, crime-prone areas and several places in North Campus, North district of Delhi Police has started a drive to gather willing volunteers to aid police in effectively checking crimes against women, the DCP said.
These volunteers are then trained in basic unarmed combat techniques, legal rights and powers and provisions for the safety of women in law, he said, adding that thereafter, they were divided in groups, given a distinct jacket to wear and aided by one or two police personnel. “After this, they have been tasked to patrol areas where eve-teasing and safety issues for women are a concern. Their mere presence sends ruffians, eve-teasers scurrying for cover,” Verma said.