Raftaar: Delhi Police women to fight gender crimes on motorbikes
To effectively curb street crimes and make roads safer for women, the Delhi Police will next month deploy 'Raftaar,' a new motorcycle squad of mostly female cops. A total of 600 motorbikes, each with a rider and a pillion, will patrol narrow streets and bylanes frequented by women, acting as the first responders to emergencies. Read on to know more.
At least three Raftaar motorcycles for every Delhi police station
According to a Hindustan Times report, each of Delhi's 191 police stations will be assigned at least three Raftaar motorcycles. They will be grey, GPS-enabled, equipped with new LED flashers, windscreens and baton holders, and connected to the central and district control rooms for smooth movement monitoring. Along with regular firearms, the riders will carry body cameras, helmet bullhorns, pepper sprays and Taser guns.
Motorcycle squad to boost police visibility inside neighborhoods
After 'Parakram' commando vans, it is the second initiative by the Delhi Police to step up its patrolling capabilities. The police's inability to penetrate deep inside gullies and neighborhoods is reportedly one of major reasons behind the rising street crimes in the Capital. About 7,371 snatchings, 2,500 thefts, 3,000 molestation cases and 553 catcalling allegations were reported in Delhi till October 31 this year.
60% of the patrolling squad will be women cops
The initial plan was to have an all-women patrolling squad but owing to a shortage of policewomen with driving licenses, the Raftaar team will now have 60% women cops. About 200 policewomen have reportedly begun training in high-speed motorcycle riding. Some will also be taught to use MP-5 submachine guns and Insas rifles. Notably, only about 10% of Delhi Police's 80,000-large force is women.
Delhi, Sao Paulo world's worst metropolises for sex crimes
Delhi, along with Brazil's Sao Paulo, was judged the world's worst metropolis for sex crimes in an October survey by Reuters. As per police data, 11,588 cases of gender violence were reported in Delhi till November 15 this year, double the numbers registered in 2012. Another recent survey by NGO Praja Foundation found that one in every 14 adults in Delhi had faced crime.
