Gone are the days when women were considered weak. Today they can speak for their rights and can also give it back to those who stand as a hindrance in their way. But the rate of crime against them has still not stopped completely. And in a bid to curb them in Pune, Damini Squad was launched back in 2015 and today now have completed 4 years.

Called as Damini Marshals, the group consists of 33 fierce women who not only work together to eliminate crime in the city but, had also organized workshops in schools to teach girls the difference between bad touch and good touch. They have even organized awareness sessions for working women and college going girls.

Apart from reducing crime against women, they also nab female offenders. Indian Express reported that the team this year has taken actions against over 225 people under the section of Motor Vehicle Act and 48 people under the Bombay Police Act.

Eve teasing and harassing women is the most common offense in our country and to teach the culprits behind it a lesson, the Damini Marshals have lodged 97 non-cognizable offenses.

Three police officers of the squad are posted at the Bharosa Cell while the rest are divided into 15 beat marshal units.

While talking to Indian Express, Pratibha Jadhav of the team said, “Each beat marshal comprises of two women cops on a two-wheeler and covers jurisdiction of two police stations. Accordingly, the 15 beat marshals cover jurisdiction of 30 police stations under the Pune police commissionerate. The marshals come for work around 8 am and perform duties for about 12 hours, which includes patrolling of areas around schools, colleges during opening and closing time. Patrolling around IT and other companies, malls, bus stops, gardens, markets, slums, railway stations, religious places and other spots. We keep a close watch and take action against persons found troubling women on streets.”

Our country will move a lot forward the day the crime rate in every city is eliminated completely. And for that more squads like Damini Marshals must be introduced. We are highly grateful to the team for making Pune safe.

Image Courtesy: Sakal Times