In a significant move to enhance women’s safety in the national capital, the Delhi Police has announced the formation of dedicated ‘anti-eve teasing squads’ aimed at preventing incidents of sexual harassment through real-time intervention. The initiative, named ‘Shistachar Squads,’ has been launched with a clear directive to focus strictly on enforcing the law without imposing personal or cultural morality on individuals.
According to an official order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, these special teams have been tasked with ensuring the protection of victims from unnecessary public scrutiny or embarrassment. The primary objectives of these squads include prevention, intervention, and victim assistance, ensuring a proactive approach to tackling harassment in public spaces.
Each of Delhi’s districts will have two such squads, comprising one Inspector, one Sub-Inspector, and eight Constables and Head Constables, including four women police personnel. The officers selected for these teams will undergo a thorough screening process to ensure they possess the necessary sensitivity, empathy, and motivation to handle cases effectively.
The police have identified various hotspots and vulnerable locations across the city where incidents of harassment are more likely to occur. These areas will be the primary focus of the squads, with teams conducting routine patrols and intervention drives daily. The plan includes systematically covering all vulnerable zones to maximize safety and deterrence over time. The squads will operate using a comprehensive strategy, including prevention measures such as increased surveillance, intervention to stop ongoing harassment, and support for victims to ensure their complaints are addressed swiftly.
To strengthen their response mechanism, female police officers in plain clothes will be strategically deployed in these vulnerable areas. Their presence will help in discreetly identifying perpetrators and taking immediate action. Additionally, each squad will be equipped with four-wheelers and two-wheelers to ensure a rapid response to incidents.
Apart from patrolling public spaces, the squads will also conduct checks in public transport systems, a common site for harassment complaints. Officers will actively encourage victims to come forward and report incidents, while also collaborating with local volunteers, resident welfare associations, and citizen groups to identify emerging risk areas and improve community vigilance.
To maintain accountability and track progress, the squads will submit weekly reports detailing their operations, actions taken, and overall impact. The functioning of these teams will be closely monitored by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Against Women) to ensure effectiveness and adherence to the directives laid out in the order.
This initiative marks a decisive step by the Delhi Police towards creating safer public spaces, reinforcing law enforcement mechanisms while ensuring that moral policing does not interfere with justice and victim protection.
