Police leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety of women: Dependra Pathak

Issues regarding women safety are on the rise in the national Capital. Sakshi Chand spoke to Dependra Pathak, Chief PRO of the Delhi Police about the steps being taken by the cops to tackle the menace and ensure that women feel safe and secure in the city. Edited excerpts:

Q) There are around 1,500 dark spots and stretches in the national Capital, a number which is fast on a rise? Is there any reason as to why stretches in the Capital are looming in the dark?

A) The Delhi Police identify dark spots even if one of the lamp posts is not working because of which the number is more. Besides that, the police officials are on the roads patrolling these dark stretches. Stretches and spots have been identified district-wise and the Delhi Police leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of women.

Q) What steps have been taken by the Delhi Police for the safety and security of women?

A) A dedicated application "Himmat" for the safety and security of women was launched by the Delhi Police in 2015. The updated and new version of the app allows women to access the driver's details through the 'QR' code. Also, in case of any emergency or threat, the user can press the SOS button and the police will automatically trace the location of the person.
Besides this, an anti-stalking helpline, a women helpline, creation of exclusive help desk for women, thana-level women safety committee and intensive patrolling on vulnerable routes are being carried out.

Q) The recent incident of a man indulging in an obscene act in a moving bus next to a Delhi University student speaks volumes about the kind of harassment women face in the national Capital. Despite asking for help no one came forward.

A) Such incidents are a result of perversion and depraved mindset. If any individual, whether male or female, notices someone carrying out such an obscene act, they should immediately inform the police. People should help the victim in the meantime and wait for the police to arrive. I appeal to Delhiites to come forward in case something like this happens.