Delhi Police Launches Shishtachar Squads for Women’s Safety

The Delhi Police initiated ‘Shishtachar’ squads, aimed at enhancing women’s safety in the capital. This move draws inspiration from the Uttar Pradesh model under Yogi Adityanath. The squads, also referred to as ‘anti-eve teasing’ squads, focus on enforcing laws rather than imposing personal morality. This initiative aligns with promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party during the Delhi assembly elections.

Background of the Initiative

The ‘Shishtachar’ squads were established following rise in crimes against women in Delhi. The Delhi Police reported over 4,200 cases of rape, molestation, and eve-teasing by December 2024. The need for a proactive approach to women’s safety became evident. The squads are part of a broader strategy to create a safer environment for women in public spaces.

Structure of the Squads

Each district in Delhi will have two ‘Shishtachar’ squads. These squads will be led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police and will include an inspector, a sub-inspector, five male police officers, and four female personnel. This composition aims to ensure a balanced approach to handling sensitive issues. The Anti-Auto Theft Squad will also assist in technical matters.

Operational Strategy

The squads will focus on ‘hotspots’ and vulnerable areas identified by District Deputy Commissioners of Police. Officers will operate in plain clothes to effectively monitor suspicious activities. The squads are tasked with conducting surprise checks on public transport. They will engage with drivers, conductors, and passengers to encourage reporting of incidents.

Multi-faceted Approach

The operational strategy of the ‘Shishtachar’ squads involves prevention, intervention, and victim assistance. Each squad will submit weekly reports to senior officers, ensuring accountability. The Assistant Commissioner of Police will oversee their operations, promoting a structured approach to tackling crimes against women.

Expected Impact

The introduction of ‘Shishtachar’ squads is expected to deter potential offenders and provide immediate support to victims. By creating a visible police presence in vulnerable areas, the initiative aims to encourage a safer atmosphere for women. Authorities hope that this proactive measure will reduce crime rates against women in Delhi.

Community Engagement

The success of the ‘Shishtachar’ squads will also depend on community involvement. Engaging with the public, especially through public transport, is crucial. Encouraging citizens to report incidents can enhance the effectiveness of the squads. This collaborative approach is vital for building trust between the police and the community.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of community policing on crime reduction in urban areas.
2. Explain the role of technology in enhancing women’s safety in metropolitan cities.
3. What are the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing crimes against women? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. What is the significance of public transport safety measures? How do they contribute to overall urban safety?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of community policing on crime reduction in urban areas.

1. Community policing encourages trust and collaboration between police and residents, leading to increased reporting of crimes.
2. Empowering local communities to participate in safety initiatives can result in tailored solutions to specific crime issues.
3. Regular engagement through community meetings helps identify crime hotspots and develop targeted strategies to address them.
4. Effective community policing can lead to a decrease in fear of crime, encouraging more public involvement in safety measures.
5. Success stories from various urban areas demonstrate reduced crime rates when community policing is actively implemented.

2. Explain the role of technology in enhancing women’s safety in metropolitan cities.

1. Technology aids in real-time monitoring through CCTV cameras, enabling quicker police responses to incidents.
2. Mobile apps can provide emergency assistance and allow women to report harassment or unsafe situations discreetly.
3. Data analytics helps identify crime patterns, enabling law enforcement to allocate resources effectively to high-risk areas.
4. Online awareness campaigns can educate women on safety measures and available resources, enhancing their preparedness.
5. Integration of smart transport systems improves safety in public transport, making it easier for women to travel securely.

3. What are the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing crimes against women? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Underreporting of crimes due to societal stigma often leads to a lack of accurate crime data and ineffective responses.
2. Resource limitations, including insufficient personnel and funding, hinder proactive measures and timely investigations.
3. Inadequate training for officers on handling sensitive cases can result in victim-blaming and poor support for survivors.
4. Cultural attitudes towards gender roles may lead to biases in law enforcement responses, affecting the treatment of victims.
5. Examples include high-profile cases of sexual assault where public outcry brought into light systemic failures in police response and victim support.

4. What is the significance of public transport safety measures? How do they contribute to overall urban safety?

1. Public transport safety measures enhance the security of commuters, particularly vulnerable populations like women and children.
2. Visible security presence on public transport can deter potential offenders and create a safer travel environment.
3. Improved safety measures encourage higher public transport usage, reducing traffic congestion and pollution in urban areas.
4. Integration of safety features, such as emergency alarms and surveillance systems, encourages a sense of security among passengers.
5. Overall urban safety is boosted as safe public transport contributes to community mobility and accessibility, enhancing quality of life.