Delhi LG Reviews Safety Measures, Orders Stepped-Up Patrolling for Women and Seniors
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu directed the Delhi Police to step up vigilance near colleges, transit hubs, and crowded markets across the capital during a review meeting with the Delhi Police Commissioner. The move forms part of an enhanced push to curb harassment of women and improve the safety of public spaces.
During the meeting, Sandhu called for heightened patrolling by specialised Shishtachar Squads and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach toward individuals who harass women and girl students. Shishtachar Squads are specifically deployed to check eve-teasing and harassment while maintaining order around educational institutions, transport hubs, and busy marketplaces.
Sandhu reviewed the ground-level deployment of these squads, asking the police to maintain sustained vigilance and proactive patrolling, especially in areas with a high footfall of women and students.
Safety arrangements inside Pink Buses were also reviewed. The Lieutenant Governor assessed the deployment of police personnel and security staff on these buses, emphasising the necessity of a visible security presence on board supported by a swift emergency response mechanism. Officials noted that the objective is to enhance safety in public transport so that women can access assistance rapidly during emergencies or incidents of harassment.
The review meeting further addressed police outreach to senior citizens. Sandhu instructed the Delhi Police to conduct a fresh assessment of the elderly population across the city to expand the reach of the dedicated Senior Citizen Mobile Application.
Officials reviewed the functioning of the mobile app, registration numbers, and interactions between elderly residents and beat-level police personnel. Police have been directed to ensure prompt grievance redressal, emergency assistance, and regular home visits by local personnel. Sandhu emphasised that beat officers should maintain ongoing contact to provide support before emergencies occur rather than acting solely after a complaint is lodged.
The fresh assessment aims to identify elderly residents not yet included in the existing police support network and integrate them into the system. Sandhu stressed the need for institutional empathy when dealing with women, children, and senior citizens, reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance on crimes targeting vulnerable populations.
