UP Police escorted 196 women to safety in two months

LUCKNOW: Since its inception on December 10 last year, UP Police’s ‘Night escort for safety’ service to help women venturing out alone during odd hours has received 196 calls, an average of three calls a day.
Under the service, women travelling alone during night hours may dial 112 to be safely escorted to their destination by women cops in a police response vehicle (PRV). Senior police officers who analysed the data told TOI that out of 196 calls received from December 10, 2019 to February 12, 2020, at least 138 calls were made by women who cited fear of dark stretches while returning from night shifts while 40 others called during inclement weather (foggy or rainy). Remaining 18 callers cited miscellaneous reasons.

“More constables are being trained so that they can improve their behaviour and provide basic first aid in emergency situations. The training module includes procedures of patrolling and conflict resolution between families, especially domestic issues,” ADG (UP 112) Asim Arun told TOI.
“We are adding 1,800 personnel in 300 police response vehicles (PRVs) across the state,” he said. The ADG, however, said there was a need to publicize the escort facility. On January 30, an 18-yearold girl was gang-raped while she was going in an autorickshaw in Rae Bareli.
“Feedback from women who have availed the service will help us improve the facility. Standard operating procedure clearly states that women calling at 112 will be asked two questions — their location and reason for opting for the service,” he said.
Manisha Bhatt, a radio jockey with a private channel in Jhansi, said she availed the service after office at 11pm on New Year eve.
“The stretch was dark and deserted. Finding no option, I called UP 112. A police response vehicle arrived within five minutes and escorted me to my residence,” she said. Saima, who dialled 112 on a foggy night while returning home from office, said: “I was feeling scared. I dialled 112 and a PRV arrived after some time. While the PRV was on its way, women cops kept talking to me asking about my well-being,” she said.