Cops to start security cells for women, children

By Mateen Hafeez/TNN

Mumbai: Police will soon start a ‘social security cell’ for women and children. The cell, to be started in 33 districts and nine commissionerates, will be headed largely by women.

The plan, initiated by the director general of police, P S Pasricha, will be implemented within a month. “It will deal with special cases where women and children are sexually and mentally abused. Most of the time, women find it difficult to discuss their problems with male officers. We have planned to appoint more women police officers so that the victims or the complainant do not hesitate,’’ Pasricha said.

Police sources said that the cell will closely monitor cases wherein aspiring models or actors coming to Mumbai from across the country, or women from Bangladesh, Nepal and other Indian cities, are cheated and forced into flesh trade. “Such victims find it difficult to go back home. The social security cell will extend all help to such girls,’’ he said.

The cell would also keep a check on child abuse. There are incidents where children are sexually exploited but they find it difficult to tell policemen.

For example, the police arrested one Shahid Shaikh (45) for repeatedly raping his two daughters aged 15 years and 17 years, in 2004. The daughters did not have the courage to go the police for one year. “The officers will also keep a check on such cases,’’ an officer said.

The Times of India, May 28, 2005