Amidst a spate of incidents of criminal assaults against women especially minor girls in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi Adityanath has asked the state police to re-activate the anti-Romeo squad. The CM was visibly miffed with the police for failing to ‘instil fear’ among criminals in the state. In the last week, at least five cases of crime against young girls have come to fore across different parts of the state.
In a high-level meeting with senior police and home department officials, CM directed the functionaries to augment policing, revive anti-Romeo squads and ordered the police to prepare a list of accused previously involved in crimes against women. Asking them to increase the vigil over these criminals, he also ordered to enhance the foot patrolling in vulnerable regions.
According to the sources, CM Yogi was annoyed as his order to re-activate the anti-Romeo squads was postponed due to the Lok Sabha polls. He had asked the district administration to re-activate this force in February.
“He was visibly annoyed over the non-deployment of the anti-Romeo squads. He also enquired the home department why the women police personnel were not effectively utilized and expressed his disapproval over police’s failure to make arrests even a day after the complaints were lodged,” an official said.
Following the meeting, DGP OP Singh said, “Discussion about the current situation in Uttar Pradesh took place. Police action in the incidents reported last week has been apprised to the CM and ways to address the problems were deliberated. The police have reacted fast in the incidents and relevant arrests have been made. Statements of minor victims have been recorded under section 164. We are moving towards not only solving the cases but towards ensuring swift and severe judgment for the convicts involved through fast track courts.”
Senior police officials like ADG, IG, and DIG have been asked to make frequent field trips and spur on patrolling to reduce crime. CM Yogi has asked police officials to identify 10 horrific cases of crime against minor girls and solve them immediately. He has also asked the police to increase the random checking of vehicles and nab youngsters engaging in stunts and breaking road-safety laws.
Once the schools start, the Uttar Pradesh police along with women welfare department is planning to carry out an awareness drive about women safety. Citing domestic violence a part of the crime against women, the CM has stressed on strengthening and advertising the helpline number ‘181’. Along with this ‘1090’ helpline for women is also proposed to be made more robust.
Recently, we had reported how the barbarity exhibited in the brutal killing of a three-year-old Tina (name changed) by Zahid and Aslam in Aligarh has shaken the conscience of the country.