Sambalpur: ‘We Squad’, the latest in the series of many initiatives to provide security to women and check crimes against them, has been launched here. The district police was the first in the state to launch such a programme.
Local MLA Raseswari Panigrahi launched the programme at a function at the district auditorium, Tapaswini Thursday. SP Sanjeev Arora said this was designed in a way as to rein in the road Romeos who misbehaved with women in public places. People are to be sensitized on the goal of women safety. Training in self-protection would be given to women at the Reserve Ground every evening.
The programme would prepare women to be mentally strong enough to face any adverse situation. The awareness programme would also be taken to schools and colleges.
Mobile number 99375 18333 has been made available to the people by way of a helpline. They can alert cops on any type of violence against woman on this WhatsApp number and register their complaints. Their names would be kept secret.
The squad, comprising an assistant sub inspector (ASI), three male constables, three female constables and six policemen, will be present in areas around school and college campuses and other crowded places. The moment it gets a complaint from women regarding stalking, or hurling of teasing/ abusive comments, molestation etc, it comes to the rescue of the victim.
Collector Samarth Verma said, “This programme will go a long way in reducing the crimes against women. Its success largely depends on the public response and participation.”
Northern Range DIG Satybrata Bhoi said people would be trained and sensitized under this programme. Justice would be ensured to one and all.
MLA Panigrahi and DFO Sanjit Kumar spoke about the programme and pinned hope on its success. Among others, students from various schools and colleges, members of various institutions and activists of several women organisations took part.
The inaugural event ended with a demo showing different techniques of self-protection by trained policemen.
PNN
