The e-complaint facility of Maharashtra police went live a few days ago in the city, providing people with the facility to file a complaint at the comfort of their homes via smartphones and computers. A part of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) of the central government, the initiative aims at speeding the course of action to solve the complaints. Since anyone can use this facility online, we find out how this initiative is effective for city women...
Last month, Damini Pathak (an all women patrolling squad), received 150 cases of eve-teasing and more than 200 cases of domestic violence were registered with the Bharosa Cell, which is women grievance redressal unit by city police department. Over 60 per cent of the complainants are under the age of 25. While many women are still hesitate to visit the police station or Bharosa Cell to file complaints, accessing the e-complaint facility has its advantages. PI Shubhda Sankhe says, "While we ensure that women feel safe at Bharosa Cell and comfortably to talk about sensitive cases, there are many who still hold themselves back. And our e-complaint facility will ensure that women file cases online and choose to be anonymous too. Users can easily access the site from their smartphones and computers and the site has a user guide to help them complete their procedure."
Since the site can be easily accessible online, many who still fear to visit a police station can now heave a sigh of relieve. Social worker Meena Hedao, who works with slum women says, "The fear is still there to approach the police on sensitive cases like eve-teasing and molestation, especially among women living in the slums due to fear and the stigma attached. Now, it is surely a better for women who face abuse and molestation to have online facility to file their complaints."
A downside to this facility is the fact that there are many women out there who don't have internet access. "The portal is undoubtedly convenient for women but many still don't use internet nor do they have access to computers or smartphones. In this scenario, the facility is only accessible to those who are well-versed with the web," feels sociology student Meenakshi Demble.
It is time for action
Once the online complaint is received at the police station, the PI will assign an investigation officer to look into the contents of the complaints. If there is a need to file FIR in a cognizable offence, then the applicant shall be informed, or else it would be considered as a noncognizable offence.
Quick results
Commissioner of Police Dr K Venkatesh informs, "The complaints filed through e-complaint facility won't be treated as FIR but citizens would get faster result if they mention the police station or locality where the problem has arisen. And the nature of complaint can be about anything. So anyone can freely file them online. However, in case of an emergency, one should dial 100."
Last month, Damini Pathak (an all women patrolling squad), received 150 cases of eve-teasing and more than 200 cases of domestic violence were registered with the Bharosa Cell, which is women grievance redressal unit by city police department. Over 60 per cent of the complainants are under the age of 25. While many women are still hesitate to visit the police station or Bharosa Cell to file complaints, accessing the e-complaint facility has its advantages. PI Shubhda Sankhe says, "While we ensure that women feel safe at Bharosa Cell and comfortably to talk about sensitive cases, there are many who still hold themselves back. And our e-complaint facility will ensure that women file cases online and choose to be anonymous too. Users can easily access the site from their smartphones and computers and the site has a user guide to help them complete their procedure."
Since the site can be easily accessible online, many who still fear to visit a police station can now heave a sigh of relieve. Social worker Meena Hedao, who works with slum women says, "The fear is still there to approach the police on sensitive cases like eve-teasing and molestation, especially among women living in the slums due to fear and the stigma attached. Now, it is surely a better for women who face abuse and molestation to have online facility to file their complaints."
A downside to this facility is the fact that there are many women out there who don't have internet access. "The portal is undoubtedly convenient for women but many still don't use internet nor do they have access to computers or smartphones. In this scenario, the facility is only accessible to those who are well-versed with the web," feels sociology student Meenakshi Demble.
It is time for action
Once the online complaint is received at the police station, the PI will assign an investigation officer to look into the contents of the complaints. If there is a need to file FIR in a cognizable offence, then the applicant shall be informed, or else it would be considered as a noncognizable offence.
Quick results
Commissioner of Police Dr K Venkatesh informs, "The complaints filed through e-complaint facility won't be treated as FIR but citizens would get faster result if they mention the police station or locality where the problem has arisen. And the nature of complaint can be about anything. So anyone can freely file them online. However, in case of an emergency, one should dial 100."
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