DCW writes to police chief for stepping up security of women

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal has urged city police commissioner Alok Verma to take adequate steps to ward off any incidents of crimes against women during Holi.

In a letter to Verma, she said several instances of hooliganism and sexual violence against women were reported in the national capital during Holi in the past.

The DCW chief has recommended stationing of adequate beat constables at strategic points across Delhi, especially in the narrow alleys and JJ clusters.

"Some specific instances have also been brought to my attention. For example, I have been informed that in the North Campus of Delhi University, male hostellers under the influence of alcohol often make lewd gestures and shout obscenities in front of the girls hostel.

"Girl's hostels, in general, are prime targets for harassment by such anti-social elements and require close police monitoring," she said, while strongly recommending deployment of special police teams around girl's hostels and paying guest (PG) accommodations on the day of Holi.

The Commission, Maliwal said, on its part, will send its mobile helpline vans to different places and ensure full operation of its 181 helpline on Holi.

"We will be treating all cases of sexual harassment with utmost seriousness and try and work closely with the police control room. If required, we will reach the  victim to ensure that the culprits are brought to book," she said, while also seeking constituting a task force for coordinating crime prevention.