Less in number, women police officials under extreme pressure to crack cases

Gurugram: The extreme pressure on the women police official can be gauged from the fact that they do not even make 10 percent of the 4,000 strong police force. There are plans by the state government to increase the strength to basic minimum number of 692 officials, however, it has not been able to do it as of now and the mark still hovers between 420 level.

This is just one for the basic challenges that is now affecting the women police officials where 30 percent cases of the women police stations remain unsolved. The total number of cases lodged at the two woman police stations are over 80. While there are some of serious cases like rapes, sexual assaults the minors, a large number of cases range from molestation to dowry crimes.

Domestic violence and exploitation of women for not giving dowry is still a reality in a city that has the third highest per capita- income in the country. While the city has seen a sharp increase in sexual crimes that involve rapes and molestation, domestic violence still tops in the list of crimes against women.

To tackle the issue of domestic violence and eve teasing, Gurugram Police officials have donned the role of counsellors. The role of the police counsellors is to hold consultations with the couples affected by domestic violence and advise them about the steps towards happy marriage. There are 12 police officials who are employed as counsellors. However this noble initiative to tackle such a major crime seems to be falling apart with not only lack of women police officials but also the behavioural challenges in tackling the complainants and the victims.

Taking cognisance of the extreme and mental pressure of the women police officials, the Gurugram police recently started a programme with the non governmental organisation to improve the mental health of the women police officials. "It is important to note that the role of the police is difficult. There are lot of expectations to be met. This becomes even more difficult for women police officials who also have an added responsibility," said a senior police official.