Kerala Police launch new initiative to guard women in public

KOCHI: Regular commuters travelling in more than 400 city buses, especially women who have to face the unruly behaviour of bus workers and eve-teasers, are heaving a sigh of relief with the deployment of ‘beetle’, a new initiative of the city police.

The beetle members deployed in city buses, bus stops and other public places watch and follow miscreants who create public nuisance.

“The initiative of the city police is a welcome step. Service of members of the beetle squad is really helpful for women passengers in crowded buses. Now, with the monsoon expected to arrive in a few days, the threat of being pick-pocketed in buses and bus stops is more. The beetle members can also help the women and elderly in securing the seats reserved for them in buses,” said Jyothi Narayanan of Sthreevedi.

Both men and women cops of the beetle squad, both in mufti and uniform, are being deputed in various parts of the city.

Deputy district police chief Muhammad Rafique told DC that the city police has introduced the beetle squad so as to create a feeling of safety among the passengers and city residents.
“Presence of police in buses and busy bus stops will help create a safety feeling among the public,” he said.