Panchkula: Criticised for its isolated location, Women Police Station to be shifted from MDC to Sector 5

DGP B S Sandhu, chairman and managing director, Haryana Police Housing Corporation, said: “People wanted the police station to be shifted because the present location is somewhat isolated. Women also raised safety concerns in visiting the station during late hours, as the road leading to it was often deserted. So, for their safety and convenience, the station is being shifted to the City Centre in Sector 5, which is a prime location.”

The new three-storied building is under construction on 10,000 square feet land adjacent to the Sector 5 Police Station near the Panchkula bus stand. The construction will be done at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crore and is likely to be completed by the beginning of next year.

Being run by women staff consisting of three women sub-inspectors, two assistant sub-inspectors, three head constables, 10 constables headed by station house officer and assistant commissioner of police, the police station looks into all cases of crime against women in the district.

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Ever since it was set up, as many as 67 cases have been registered in the police station, 23 in 2015 and 44 this year till date. While 47 cases were registered for domestic violence, four cases were of kidnapping, six of rape and six of allegedly outraging the modesty of women.

“Most of them had complained about matrimonial disputes and domestic violence. Most of the times, women seek counseling, but we also educate them about the necessary laws and take action accordingly. We have received 648 complaints ever since the police station was set up, out of which 608 have been disposed off,” said ACP Mamta Sodha.

Since the area under the jurisdiction is large, there has been a demand to appoint at least 10 more women constables, which will be considered after the current recruitment process is over. “While matrimonial disputes, domestic violence are reported more from urban areas, cases of sexual assault are reported more from rural areas,” she said.

Since, a number of women-related complainants were being received from Kalka, Pinjore, a women help desk was recently set up in Kalka ACP’s office.

An event will also be organised in Indradhanush Auditorium on August 17 to mark one year of its foundation, where Haryana CM Manohar Lal is expected to be the chief guest.

Women can report complaints on 1091 and 9464661091