Kolkata Police’s Durga Suraksha Squad has initiated a month-long awareness campaign in the city to educate the public about crimes against women and cyber frauds. This campaign will span 120 locations across 60 police stations in Kolkata. Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, has carefully chosen these locations for a special 30-day campaign.
The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance public awareness through outreach programs in residential areas and busy public spots. The Durga Suraksha Squad, initially formed for women’s safety patrols on scooters, has now been given additional responsibilities under this new campaign. A joint patrol team, comprising officers from various police units, has been established to back this effort.
The joint patrol teams, including personnel from local police stations, cyber police units, women’s police stations, and women’s cells, will conduct awareness activities on crimes against women and cybercrime. They will visit four locations daily across two police station areas, distributing leaflets and engaging with residents and pedestrians. Loudspeakers and short video clips will be utilized at street intersections to raise awareness and address public concerns.
To support this campaign, Lalbazar has provided 10 scooters and a vehicle for the squad, with additional logistical support from local police stations, cyber police units, and women’s teams. The headquarters’ senior officials will oversee the program. This initiative aligns with the state’s “zero tolerance” policy towards crimes against women and the recent establishment of cyber help desks at police stations to aid victims of online fraud and cybercrime.
The Durga Suraksha Squad, announced recently, is responsible for immediate action against public harassment incidents. Women police officers associated with the squad will continue their motorbike patrols in Kolkata, with similar arrangements in parts of the Presidency Range. Real-time audio-visual transmission facilities have been set up to enable live monitoring and broadcasting of incidents when necessary.
