Facing backlash for increasing crimes against women, the Chandigarh Police has made arrangements to drop women to their destination during late night hours on New Year’s Eve, reported The Indian Express.
“In view of women’s security in the city, we are offering special PCR vehicles to drop women. Any woman, stranded late at night, can call to avail PCR (Police Control Room) vans,” said Chandigarh Police Senior Superintendent of Police Nilambari Vijay Jagdale to The Indian Express.
If any woman is away from her home late in the night and is unable to find any public transport, she can call the PCR at 100 or 0172-2749194 or 0172-2744100. Every PCR will also have a woman constable in it.
“The provision for dropping women during late night hours is not only for the new year. Women can call the police anytime as we have a special arrangement for this,” said Jagdale to The Indian Express.
Identifying sensitive points of the city like Elante Mall, Aroma Light Point, Sector-17, Sector-26 restaurants, Sector-35, Sector-43, and Chandigarh Club, the SSP said women police officials would be deployed at such places, IE reported.
The police have also directed party organisers at hotels, discos, restaurants, etc, to install closer circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the venues. Female bouncers have been asked to be present.
The police statement came a day after Deputy Commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi restrained eateries, discotheques, and clubs from operating past midnight, with effect from 1 January, reported Hindustan Times. This also banned New Year’s Eve parties at commercial establishments after midnight
The prohibitory orders issued under Section 144 of the CrPC will remain in force for 60 days. Similar orders were passed last year too.
(With inputs from The Indian Express and Hindustan Times)
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