The Delhi Government has announced a major step towards ensuring the safety of women by forming the ‘Eve Teasing Squad’, officially named the ‘Sanitist Squad’. This initiative aims to curb crimes against women, particularly sexual harassment, stalking, and public harassment, in the capital city. Following the success of Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Anti-Romeo Squad’, the Delhi Government plans to implement a similar strategy to make the city safer for women.
Formation of the Eve Teasing Squad
To effectively combat eve teasing and other offenses against women, the government has proposed setting up two squads per district across Delhi. These units will be directly supervised by senior police officials and will have well-equipped personnel to handle situations efficiently.
Composition of the Squad
- Head of Squad: An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) specializing in Crime Against Women (CAW).
- Team Members:
- 1 Inspector
- 1 Sub-Inspector
- 8 Constables and Head Constables (4 of whom will be women officers)
- 1 Special Unit Policeman for technical assistance
- Vehicles: Cars and two-wheelers for quick response
- Specialized Training: Officers in the squad will receive gender-sensitization training, self-defense tactics, and legal education to ensure effective operations.
Deployment in Sensitive Areas
The Eve Teasing Squad will be stationed in high-risk zones of the city, such as:
- College Campuses and Universities: Places with a high influx of students, such as Delhi University (North and South Campus), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Jamia Millia Islamia.
- Metro Stations and Bus Stops: Areas like Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, and Anand Vihar, where cases of public harassment have been reported.
- Markets and Malls: Sarojini Nagar, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, and Chandni Chowk, which attract large crowds.
- Cinema Halls and Parks: Frequent spots for harassment cases.
- IT and Business Hubs: Locations such as Nehru Place, Cyber Hub, and Connaught Place where women professionals face safety concerns.
Strict Action Against Offenders
The squad will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against miscreants. Some of the actions they will take include:
Immediate Arrests & Legal Action
- On-the-spot detention and interrogation of suspects.
- Registration of FIRs under IPC Sections 294, 354, and 509, which cover offenses related to sexual harassment and public misconduct.
- Increased surveillance through CCTV cameras and undercover operations in vulnerable locations.
Public Awareness and Women’s Helpline
- Launch of public campaigns to educate citizens on the legal consequences of eve teasing.
- Encouraging victims to report incidents through the Delhi Police Helpline (1091) and the Women’s Safety App.
- Creating awareness about self-defense workshops for women.
Technology-Driven Approach
To ensure efficiency, the squad will employ advanced technological tools such as:
- AI-Based Surveillance Systems: To detect suspicious behavior in real-time at high-risk locations.
- Emergency Response Apps: Integration with platforms like Himmat Plus, allowing users to alert police instantly.
- Facial Recognition Software: To identify repeat offenders and maintain a database of habitual harassers.
Public Response and Expectations
The announcement of the Sanitist Squad has received mixed reactions from citizens:
- Women’s Rights Activists have praised the initiative as a necessary step towards creating a safer environment.
- Students and Working Women welcome the move but stress the need for proper implementation and accountability.
- Legal Experts emphasize the importance of strict legal enforcement to ensure the squad’s long-term effectiveness.
Comparison with Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Anti-Romeo Squad’
The Anti-Romeo Squad in Uttar Pradesh, launched in 2017, successfully reduced incidents of eve teasing and harassment. However, it faced challenges related to over-policing and misuse of power. Learning from UP’s experience, Delhi’s Sanitist Squad aims to strike a balance between law enforcement and citizens’ rights by ensuring:
- Proper training of officers to prevent unnecessary harassment of innocent individuals.
- Transparent reporting mechanisms to hold the squad accountable.
- Collaborations with NGOs to support victims effectively.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Safer Delhi
The introduction of the Eve Teasing Squad is a proactive measure by the Delhi Government to curb crimes against women. By deploying well-trained officers in sensitive areas, leveraging technology, and enforcing strict legal actions, the squad aims to create a fear-free environment for women in Delhi. However, the true success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation, public participation, and sustained efforts to ensure long-term safety.
