To improve women’s safety in public spaces, the Delhi Police has initiated ‘Shishtachar’ squads in every district. These anti-eve-teasing teams are committed to fighting harassment through active patrolling, surprise checks, and community engagement. Guided by senior officials, this initiative focuses on prevention, intervention, and helping victims, all aimed at ensuring a safer environment for women in the capital.
Key Features of ‘Shishtachar’ Squad
1. Formation & Supervision
- Each district will have at least two squads.
- Supervised by the ACP of the Crime Against Women (CAW) cell in the respective district.
2. Squad Composition
- 1 Inspector & 1 Sub-Inspector.
- 4 Female officers & 5 Male officers.
- 1 Technical personnel from the anti-auto theft squad for surveillance support.
3. Operations & Patrolling
- Each squad will be equipped with one four-wheeler and multiple two-wheelers for mobility.
- Daily patrols at high-risk locations, with at least two targeted operations per day.
- Plain-clothed female officers will be deployed to monitor and identify offenders.
- Surprise inspections in public transport, in coordination with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) staff and passengers, to encourage incident reporting.
4. Identification of Vulnerable Areas
- District DCPs will identify and compile a list of hotspots where women’s safety is a concern.
- This list will be shared with the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) for further action.
5. Comparison with Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Anti-Romeo Squad’
The BJP promised to launch an ‘Anti-Romeo Squad’ in Delhi, similar to the one in Uttar Pradesh. Both initiatives are designed to prevent harassment, but the ‘Shishtachar’ squad takes a more comprehensive route, incorporating prevention, intervention, and support for victims.
