Bengaluru rapes: 'We are increasing night patrolling, nakabandis and check points'

Bengaluru: Responding to the rising crime against women and children in the city, ‘safety walks’ were organized by over 15 volunteers from different walks of life in 23 localities, especially those with educational institutions and colleges.

Of the  locations covered, they found 11 especially risky.

The locations included the area around Mount Carmel College, Seshadripuram College, Yelahanka New Town, Brigade Road, Mysore Bank Circle, Jayanagar, Vijayanagar, Frazer Town, KR Puram, Koramangala, Cunningham Road and Mantri Mall.

The volunteers found that most college students wanted better police patrolling and streetlighting around their campuses.

An interview with Bengaluru Police Commissioner M N Reddi

Is Bengaluru becoming unsafe?
There is no denying that the city has witnessed a spurt in crime against women. Anyone committing such crime will be considered a rowdysheeter and will be booked under the Goonda Act if he is a habitual offender.

Of late the city has become unsafe for young couples too who are being targeted in deserted areas.  What is the city police doing to ensure their safety?
Yes, cases of young couples being targeted such as the one in Madiwala police limits , have come to light. We have stepped up patrolling. There will be aggressive night patrolling, nakabandis and check points across the city. We are also preparing a list of all the rowdies and miscreants who have committed such crime in the past and will keep a watch on them.

There are many dark spots in the city. How well is the police prepared to deal with the crimes  committed here?
We plan to shortly  propose a joint survey in association with the local bodies like the BBMP to identify the dark spots across the city.  Appropriate measures will be taken.

There are complaints that many people find it difficult to file an FIR.
Lately cases of the police  not cooperating with the victims of crime have emerged. In such situations the complainants can approach the police control room or the DCP’s office to report the matter.