BIHAR: The ‘Police Didi’ initiative, launched by the Bihar Police to further strengthen the safety of women and female students, appears to be yielding positive results. Under this special campaign, action has been taken against 612 eve-teasers and individuals accused of harassing women across the state. The police state that the objective of this initiative is not merely to take punitive action but also to foster a sense of security among women and prevent crime.
The ‘Police Didi’ teams conduct regular patrols in schools, colleges, public spaces, markets, and sensitive areas. Simultaneously, women and female students are being made aware of their rights, safety measures, and the procedure for lodging complaints.
What is the ‘Police Didi’ initiative?
‘Police Didi’ is a special initiative by the Bihar Police wherein teams comprising female police personnel and other officers interact directly with women and female students. The aim of these teams is to build confidence among women and encourage them to contact the police immediately in the event of any molestation, harassment, or crime.
This initiative is based on the concept of community policing, which emphasizes establishing better communication between the police and society.
Action against 612 eve-teasers
According to the police, action was taken against 612 individuals across various districts during the campaign; these individuals were accused of molesting women, behaving indecently, or engaging in other forms of harassment in public places.
The measures taken include—
Identification of suspects,
Questioning,
Legal action,
Issuing warnings,
And registering cases under relevant legal sections where necessary.
Action in each case is taken in accordance with available evidence and legal provisions.
Where is special surveillance maintained?
‘Police Didi’ teams are maintaining special surveillance in areas with high footfall of women and female students, such as—
School and college campuses,
Vicinity of coaching institutes,
Bus stands,
Railway stations,
Markets,
Parks,
And other crowded public places. In addition to regular patrols, plainclothes police personnel may also be deployed in these areas.
Emphasis on Awareness
This campaign is not limited solely to law and order. Police teams are educating female students and women about—
women’s helpline numbers,
prevention of cybercrime,
social media safety,
self-defense techniques,
and the process of filing complaints.
Growing Confidence Among Women
Police officials state that following this initiative, there has been an increase in complaints filed by women and female students, indicating growing public trust in the police.
Furthermore, numerous educational institutions have welcomed this initiative and are cooperating in organizing regular awareness programs.
Expert Opinion
Experts in women’s safety believe that campaigns based on prevention and awareness can prove more effective than merely taking action after a crime has occurred.
However, they also emphasize that for long-term success—
swift legal action,
an adequate female police force,
safe public transport,
improved street lighting,
and social awareness
are equally essential.
