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Journalism of Courage
Amid growing concerns over women’s safety in West Bengal after the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, the state police have introduced “Pink Mobile” units in a few districts to provide a dedicated and visible police presence to deter potential offenders.
According to the police, the initiative has been launched in Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Kalimpong, Barasat, and Raiganj districts with specially trained women officers manning these “Pink Mobiles”, equipped with 360-degree cameras to ensure quick and efficient response. This team of one woman officer and four women constables will be assisted by the “winners force’ made up of women police personnel patrolling on two-wheelers, they said.
Women, they said, will be able to file complaints by calling the helpline number 112 in case of any emergency. These “Pink Mobiles” will respond to incidents involving harassment, domestic violence, or any threat to women’s security, and also serve as a point of contact for women seeking assistance. They will also patrol sensitive areas like schools, colleges, and markets to provide a visible police presence and deter potential offenders.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a safer environment for women and empowering them to live and travel without fear,” said a police officer.
In Jalpaiguri, four such “Pink Mobile” vans have already started functioning. “With four vans and more force, we will be able to cover the whole district. Earlier winners team was moving in Jalpaiguri Town,” Umesh Ganpat Khandbahale, Superintendent of Police, Jalpaiguri, told The Indian Express.
Dyutiman Bhattacharya, Superintendent of Police, Cooch Behar emphasised the importance of the Pink Patrol units in providing a sense of security to women in the district. “These squads will be vigilant across the towns, especially in areas where there is an assemblage of girls and women, including educational institutions,” he said.
Similarly, Shrihari Pandey, Superintendent of Police, Kalimpong, highlighted the role of the vans in enhancing women’s safety in the hill town. “It will also be an all-women squad. The squad will patrol in and around Kalimpong town,” he said.
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghosh praised the initiative. “Bengal shows the way. ‘Pink Mobile’ women’s protection police force launched in Jalpaiguri. ‘Pink Mobile’ bikes with specially trained women police officers and personnel to ensure women’s safety on the roads. ‘Pink Mobile’ force to be launched in every district soon,” Ghosh posted on X.
* In case of an emergency, women can call on 112 helpline number.
* The call will be connected to the control room
* From the control room, the message will be sent to “Pink Mobile” van.
* “Pink Mobile” van will then track the location and reach the spot.
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