Mamata Banerjee Launches Kolkata Police Initiatives for Women's Night Safety
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Feb 28 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unveiled two significant initiatives by Kolkata Police on Saturday, aimed at bolstering the safety and security of women throughout the city, especially during nighttime.
In a post on her X account, Banerjee expressed that these initiatives are crafted to further instill confidence in women and ensure that help is readily available when required.
"I am delighted to announce that, to enhance the safety and confidence of women in our city, Kolkata Police is rolling out two new initiatives starting today," she stated.
She elaborated, "The first initiative involves the establishment of several all-women Pink Booths at prominent intersections across the city, which will operate from evening until midnight. Women will be able to connect directly with female officers from Kolkata Police for any assistance they may need at these booths."
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the deployment of women's mobile patrol teams during the night.
"The second initiative is the introduction of 'SHINING' (as I have named them) all-women mobile patrol teams, which will be active from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., patrolling key routes like E.M. Bypass and other vital city roads frequented by working women during late hours," she mentioned.
Banerjee noted that Kolkata has consistently ranked as the safest city in India over the years. "I am confident that these two innovative initiatives will significantly contribute to maintaining this reputation," she added.
According to official sources, these measures are a response to recent incidents of harassment reported in various areas of the city, including cases of women facing harassment inside moving vehicles during the night. While the police have apprehended suspects in these incidents, concerns regarding women's safety have emerged once again.
The state government stated that the introduction of Pink Booths and the 'SHINING' patrol teams aims to provide faster responses, improved access to police support, and proactive patrolling to prevent crime, thereby fostering a safer environment for women in Kolkata.