Ggn top cop to oversee working of women's helpline

Gurugram: Led by Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar, senior police officers of the rank of DCP will oversee the progress of women's helpline number 1091.

As per the Gurugram Police plan, there will be an official report which will be surveyed on a weekly basis over the action being taken on the complaints received by the helpline.

Officers of DCP rank will be involved in investigation of major cases, to ensure that the women complainants do not have any grievances on the investigation front.

Haryana was recently shaken by a spate of rapes, with its richest district Gurugram reporting to two incidents of sexual assaults.

These cases included a college student being forcibly abducted and gang-raped, and a married woman being forcibly dragged out of her car and then raped near Golf Course Extension road.

Facing immense criticism over the worsening law and order situation and lack of safety for women, Haryan Chief Minister ML Khattar held a high-level meeting with senior police officials.

Among the measures decided during the meeting was the setting up of fast-track courts and improving the services of women's helpline 1091.

Lack of infrastructure, including proper development of the helpline, has also increased problems for victims.

While difficulties in getting through to an operator in the police helpline number 100 is well documented, a major setback has been the withdrawal of WhatsApp number.

The number 8586976050 was created for women victims of sexual crimes.

However, it ultimately faded out due to lack of information and participation. There were several cases where victims alleged that cops did not file a proper FIR, in cases of molestation and even attempts of sexual assault.

Some of the common grievances include are phone lines being engaged, lack of understating between police personnel and complainants, and slow response by in responding to emergencies. Despite the police having the alternate number 0124-2221601, there is a lack of awareness among citizens about the number.

From the police's side, the challenge is to differentiate genuine and fake complaints received on their helpline.