SAMBALPUR: In a bid to check eve-teasing, stalking and voyeurism, Sambalpur district police on Thursday introduced WE (Women Empowerment) Squad to make women feel secure in the city.
The 10-member special squad headed by a DSP will be under the direct supervision of Sambalpur SP.
Highlighting the features, objective and working areas of the WE Squad at a function organised by the district police here, Sambalpur SP Sanjeev Arora said the aim of the team is to curb eve-teasing, stalking and voyeurism and nab offenders, who physically or mentally harass women through phone calls, messages, e-mail and social media. Arora said the squad will keep a close watch at vulnerable places to nab offenders indulged in eve-teasing and stalking red-handed. The team will try to collect evidence such as video and audio recording as well as photographs from the spot before bringing the offender to the police station concerned.
Subsequently, the squad will inform parents and family members of the offender about the incident. The offender will be given a warning and made to undergo counselling on the consequences, including legal action, of indecent behaviour towards women. The squad will act as a deterrent force to stop crime against women, the SP said.
A woman in distress can contact the WE Squad through phone call, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter handle of Sambalpur SP. Besides, a victim can reach the special team through the police mobile app and by dialling 100 and 8015250001 (PCR). The cell phone and WhatsApp number of the WE Squad is 9937518333, informed Arora.
Moreover, the special squad will create awareness about women safety and related legal provisions through workshops in schools and colleges. Trained members of the police team will also teach self-protection techniques to girls and women, Arora added.
The event was attended by Sambalpur MLA Raseswari Panigrahi, DIG of Police (Northern Range) Satyabrata Bhoi, district Collector Samarth Verma, students of the various educational institutions and members of women organisations.