A fresh initiative aimed at bolstering safety and security for women was officially launched on Monday within the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate region of West Bengal. The rollout event for the newly formed 'Durga Suraksha Squad' took place at the Sarat Manch in Asansol, drawing several prominent figures from the district administration and local police department. Among those in attendance were minister Agnimitra Paul, Police Commissioner Dr. Pranav Kumar, District Magistrate S. Ponnabalam, and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Mishra.
Government Adopts Strict Stance on Women Safety
Addressing the gathering during the launch event, minister Agnimitra Paul emphasized that the state government follows a strict zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women. Pointing out the timing ahead of the festive season, she noted that the squad has hit the streets even before the arrival of Goddess Durga to ensure public safety. She also highlighted that women assistance desks and dedicated helpline numbers are already operational across police stations. Furthermore, she revealed that the Chief Minister is scheduled to announce several additional schemes and programs centered around women safety on the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya.
Squad of Ten Female Officers Patrolling on Scooters
Elaborating on the operational framework, the minister stated that women safety remains the top priority for the administration, prompting the creation of this dedicated unit. While the launch has commenced in Asansol, the service is slated to expand to Durgapur in the near future. The Durga Suraksha Squad currently comprises 10 female police officers who will patrol the district riding scooters to maintain a visible security presence. These officers are equipped with necessary weapons to handle urgent situations effectively, and citizens can reach out to them during any emergency by calling the 100 or 112 helpline numbers.
Police Stations Honored for Cleanliness
Aside from security deployments, the program also featured an awards ceremony recognizing police stations that excelled in a local cleanliness competition. Stations from Andal, Jamuria, and Pandabeswar were honored for maintaining high standards of hygiene within their premises. Police Commissioner Dr. Pranav Kumar reiterated during the proceedings that the newly deployed squad will soon extend its operations to Durgapur, while also commending the winning stations for their exemplary performance in the commissionerate-wide cleanliness drive.
