Police to train women recruits, college girls in self-defence

In view of the increasing incidents of violence against woman, the Pune city police have decided to train its female officers, and also college-going girls, in karate and other self-defence techniques. Police Commissioner Gulabrao Pol said the training for new female recruits would begin in January 2013 at the police headquarters in Shivajinagar.

“Those college girls who want themselves to be trained can also join. They should contact the office of the assistant commissioner of police at the headquarters for details,” Pol told mediapersons on Wednesday.

Besides, the Pune police also held meetings of senior officers to take a review of cases of violence against women in the city and instructions have been given to all police stations to increase patrolling around colleges to prevent incidents of eve-teasing.

“We have asked all police stations to increase patrolling around colleges in their jurisdictions, especially when the college hours begin and end. We have also asked our cops to increase interaction with college principals and hostel rectors. We would also watch places like bus stands and stern action would be taken against anyone found troubling women,” said Pol.

“We want women to come forward and lodge complaints if they are being harassed. Our mahila dakshata committees would be strengthened by including counsellors. Also, NGO representatives, local political leaders, reputed advocates and teachers would be called for meetings of the committees,” he added.

In 2012, Pol said, eight women had been murdered till now — four of them for dowry. In 12 cases, attempts have been made to kill women for dowry. Besides, as many as 42 women committed suicide in the city due to dowry harassment. There were 61 cases of rapes and 43 of abductions, apart from 162 cases of domestic violence, 85 cases of molestation and 51 of eve-teasing.

Cops to watch children in New Year liquor parties

Pune: Commissioner Gulabrao Pol said the police would keep a watch on children at the liquor parties to be held on Neww Year’s Eve. In August this year, the Pune police had booked the organisers of a liquor party involving hundreds of minor boys and girls in Koregaon Park. Pol said security would be stepped up around crowded spots and party venues to prevent untoward incidents. He appealed to the citizens to avoid driving after consuming alcohol. Stern action would be taken against rash and drunken driving, he said.