New Delhi: The Delhi Police has introduced “Shishtachar” anti-eve teasing squads to enhance the safety of women across the city. These specialized squads will patrol public spaces, focusing on preventing harassment such as eve-teasing, molestation, and other forms of gender-based violence.
As per an order issued by Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arora on March 8, these squads will consist of trained officers dedicated to tackling these offenses in real-time, without imposing personal or cultural morality. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and dignity of women in public spaces.
Each district will deploy at least two anti-eve teasing squads, supervised by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) from the Crime Against Women Cell. The squads will be made up of an inspector, a sub-inspector, four female officers, and five male officers from various ranks, including Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, and Constables. Additional support will come from personnel in the special staff or the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS), offering technical assistance.
The squads will primarily focus on high-risk areas identified by District Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), ensuring daily patrols in at least two vulnerable locations. They will take a proactive approach, conducting surprise checks in public transport and working closely with Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) staff to encourage passengers to report harassment incidents. The squads will operate in plainclothes to maintain discretion and avoid drawing attention to victims, ensuring they are not subjected to undue embarrassment.
The DCPs have been instructed to ensure squad members handle cases with sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism. This new initiative is aimed at creating a safer environment for women in Delhi, reinforcing the police’s commitment to active law enforcement and crime prevention.
The BJP, in its manifesto for the upcoming 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, has promised to deploy “Anti-Romeo Squads” across public spaces and install an extensive network of CCTV cameras to strengthen security. This initiative is inspired by similar efforts, such as Uttar Pradesh’s “Anti-Romeo” drive launched in 2017 to combat harassment against women.