Cops cannot slap eve-teasers, but victims can: Mumbai Police Commissioner

Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh on Tuesday said that even though policemen do not have a right to slap the eve-teasers, they would support the victim if the latter punished the accused by slapping.

"Police have many limitations. Policemen have no right to hit the culprits with batons. Forget about hitting them with a baton, we don't even have a right to slap them!" Singh said while speaking at a function organised to create awareness among women as a part of the ongoing drive initiated by the Mumbai Police.

"If we do so, we will have to face the music of human rights organisations," he said.

"But you (victims) could slap those who tease you and we will bring the culprits to book. We would not question the victims for slapping," he added.

Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil, who was also present at the event, said, "If the women are troubled by the police when they approach them, the latter would face stern action."

Patil further added, "Arms are meant to be used for the safety of our citizens. That doesn't mean we have the right to kill but if there is any law stopping you, I will take care of it."

The event was also attended by Bollywood actresses Rani Mukherjee and Karishma Kapoor.

Last month, the commissioner had triggered a controversy by issuing a circular to all police stations directing them to crack down on couples who are found meeting at isolated places in Mumbai, but soon withdrew their decision after it evoked sharp criticism.

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