Other major cities in the state like Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Aurangabad will also get similar departments under the state police.
Immediately after the Delhi gangrape case, the state government expressed its intention for setting up a dedicated unit, on the lines of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
CAWW will be based at the police headquarters and will function under the joint CP (crime). The wing has been divided into two divisions - one will tackle cases of rape, molestation and kidnapping and the other will handle cases of atrocities, dowry and harassment by in-laws under section 498 (A) of the IPC.
The wing has a support staff of an ACP, two inspectors, 12 sub-inspectors and over 50 constables.
“This is the first step. We want to set up similar wings in all cities and districts,” said a senior home department official.
The state had formed a committee under Justice Dharmadhikari to suggest measures to improve registration, handling of crimes against women and conviction rates. The committee suggested creation of separate dedicated police stations as well as increased number of women staff in each police station. A panel of experts, women officials and MLAs has been formed to oversee the implementation of the Dharmadhikari panel recommendations.
“It is a welcome move. With this, we will now be able to co-ordinate with officials about complaints and cases we receive from Mumbai and Maharashtra,” said Nirmala Samant-Prabhavalkar, member of National Commission for Women.