A student of Nirmala College Preeti Singhai explaining her bitter experience with Shakti Vahan said, “While returning home from the college two boys on bike started following me. First I tried to ignore them but when they started passing lewd comments, realised that the matter is going to be serious.
I hurriedly called mahila helpline seeking help as early as possible but till the time shakti vahan arrived the two boys ran away by snatching my mantilla.” Many girls like Preeti have been through the similar situation. To ensure security and provide instant help to the fairer sex, the administration has introduced mobile vehicle shakti vahan but ironically the vehicle is not enough in number to infuse confidence among the vulnerable part of the population.
Sadly, due to less number of vehicles it fails to respond to the distress calls made by girls on time. When City SP Manoj Ratan Chothe was enquired over the matter he said, “looking at the need of the hour administration has increased the number of Shakti Vahan from two to three. The administration is equally concerned about safety of women and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring it.”
He further added that it is because of Shakti Vahan’s patrolling unwanted elements have stopped assembling near college gates thus providing some respite to girls. With passing time more efforts will be taken up in this direction besides increasing the number of such vehicles in the near future. Shakti Vahan was introduced in the state capital in 2012 in the wake of Delhi gang rape that shook the country to the core. The basic purpose behind it was to ensure the safety of women from eve-teasers and snatchers.
Earlier there were only two police constables and a driver in Shakti Vahan which was later increased from two to four. Notably, female constables were also pressed into service along with male constables. Moreover, a senior officer was also deployed. “The idea behind Shakti Vahan was to put in place a powerful team to effectively curb crime cases against women.
It is true that administration has failed in bringing any drastic changes in this direction year but efforts are being made in the direction which will be visible sooner,” added Chothe. The Shakti Vahan starts patrolling from sharp 9 O’clock in the morning and it last till 8:30 in the evening.