Watch: Anti-Romeo Squads Target Couples in Jharkhand

Police in Dumka district roughed up couples and even forced them to do ‘sit-ups’ for roaming in the open.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

If you thought anti-romeo squads could only haul up ‘suspicious’ men in Uttar Pradesh, you’re probably wrong. Police in Jharkhand’s Dumka district rouged up couples and even forced them for do ‘sit-ups’ for roaming out in the open. Alarmed by the sudden crackdown, young boys and girls scaled walls to escape shaming by cops.

Several couples have been found roaming around the railway stations and colleges. It does not send out a good message. We will continue this operation.

Poonam Toppo, SHO

Originally conceived by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to curb rising cases of crimes against women, the idea of anti-romeo squads has fast taken a moral character. Earlier, in Lucknow and Meerut, cops could be seen questioning and even harassing couples. Later, Adityanath clarified that the drive was not meant to drive couples away, but only to prevent ‘suspicious’ men from loitering aimlessly in public places.

Video Editor: Rahul Sanpui