The Eagle has landed, Thane couples beware!

8220;The basic idea behind this social policing is to check quasi-sexuality in public places and hidden prostitution,8221; explains Pandey. 8220;It8217;s not merely about couples cosying up, it8217;s when there is demonstration of overt sexual behavior that we come in.8221;

The squad has already begun its crackdown. 8220;It8217;s just four days since the squad has come into place, and we have caught at least three-four CSWs every day,8221; says D8217;Souza, whose squad scouts the city in civvies.

While CSWs are arrested, couples are fined under Section 110 of the Bombay Police Act, which bars indecent behavior in public. 8220;If the person wants, he can go to court the next day and plead for a reduction. The fine only acts as a deterrent,8221; says Pandey.

D8217;Souza is quick to clarify that couples holding hands or holding each other 8212; 8220;or at times even kissing8221; 8212; are not caught. Neither are married couples and those who can prove they are engaged 8212; 8220;we call their houses and check8221;.

But college students 8220;having fun8221; will not be spared. 8220;At Upvan Lake after 7 pm,8221; she explains, 8220;there are no lights and couples are found in compromising positions. This is not acceptable8221;. D8217;Souza says they have already started getting responses from citizens. 8220;Two days ago, a Khopat resident complained about an obscene hoarding near a beer bar and scared the owner saying he had informed us,8221; she says. 8220;When we reached, the hoarding was already painted over.8221;

This is just the beginning, says Pandey. 8220;Once public involvement increases, we will be able to help more people and try our best to make Thane a socially healthy society.8221;