600 women constables posted across the city stations

A committee of senior police officers headed by a woman Deputy Commissioner of Police has also been tasked with recommending how best to utilise women police personnel in the city, and to suggest improvements in their working conditions.

Women who are victims of sexual abuse will be able to give their statements to a female police officer sent to their residence. Quick Redressal Desks to cater to women and the elderly will be set up at each police station, and missing person’s complaints for women and children can now be lodged at any police station irrespective of jurisdiction, newly-appointed Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria had said Wednesday last.

“To launch these initiatives at the earliest, we have transferred 600 lady constables from the Local Arms unit to police stations. The order was issued on Saturday. The personnel manning the 103 helpline have also been given a list of women police personnel posted at each police station, so that they can be sent to a complainant’s residence quickly,” said Maria.

During a five-hour meeting with all senior officers of the Mumbai Police a week ago, the city police chief issued a slew of instructions aimed at “going back to the basics” of policing, and towards gender sensitisation of the force. Police officers were also directed to crackdown on eve teasers, chain snatchers and drug peddlers through special drives.

“Our drive against drug peddling is going on in full swing. On Sunday alone, the local police stations and the Anti Narcotics Cell registered 86 cases under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act,” said Maria.

When asked about a video, that has gone viral, showing private towing operators attempting to break into an illegally parked car in the presence of a traffic policeman near Madras Cafe in Matunga, Maria said, “I have told traffic officers today that what happened was wrong, and will not be tolerated.”

In the video, the towing operators are seen trying to tow away a Maruti Ritz with its handbrake on. Two operators tried to break into the car by sliding a ruler through the windowpane, even as a traffic constable looked on.