Mumbai police step up school safety measures after Badlapur sexual abuse case

From August 20 to September 2, Mumbai police stations have recorded at least 121 new POCSO cases, surpassing the monthly average of 90. This includes several cases occurring on school premises.

In a new order accessed by The Indian Express, Phansalkar outlined a nine-point plan for police officers, including station heads, Assistant Commissioners (ACPs), Deputy Commissioners (DCPs), and additional commissioners.

The directives require regular visits by women police officers to ensure that educational institutions adhere to safety guidelines. These guidelines include the installation of CCTV cameras, appointment of supervisors, verification of staff, and enhanced security at washrooms and throughout school premises. Should any institution fail to comply, police teams are instructed to meet with the principal or operator to enforce adherence.

The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of conducting ‘Police Didi’ sessions to educate students about their legal rights and safety measures, fostering a supportive environment where students feel confident approaching law enforcement.

Additionally, the Nirbhaya squads have been tasked with visiting educational institutions to raise awareness about legal consequences for sexual crimes and other emerging issues like cyber extortion and blackmail.

“Police should also do confidence-building exercises among students so that they should not hesitate or fear approaching police when they are in any sort of trouble,” Phansalkar stated in the order.

The new directive calls for senior officers to monitor the efficiency and sensitivity of complaint handling at police stations, ensuring complaints are processed promptly and in the complainant’s preferred language.
DCPs to support POCSO victims.

The Commissioner also mandated Deputy Commissioners to visit homes of POCSO victims in plain clothes to offer support and build trust. This approach aims to prevent further distress to the victims’ families and ensure they feel secure in their interactions with the police. In the Badlapur case, Inspector General Arti Singh, leading the Special Investigation Team (SIT), personally visited the victims and their families on the first day of the investigation.

It also instructs police stations to hold regular grievance redressal sessions for victims of sexual offences to ensure they are satisfied with the investigation and to address any ongoing concerns, including harassment by accused individuals on bail.