WUNRN
INDIA-MUMBAI - POLICE SPECIAL
HELPLINE FOR WOMEN IN DISTRESS
India-Mumbai: As of April 1, the
Mumbai Police’s Special Women's Helpline ‘103’ can be accessed across the
state. The proposal has been okayed by the home minister, said additional chief
secretary (home) Chandra Iyengar. Relaunching the helpline on Thursday,
commissioner D Sivanandhan promised that a police team would reach the victim’s
place in just 6-7 minutes after receiving a call for help. “We have received
2,810 calls from women in distress, 456 calls from children and 947 calls from
senior citizens since the launch of the helpline in February 2008. Action has
been taken in each of these cases. We registered 36 FIRs and 764 non-cognizable
offences,’’ Sivanandhan said, adding that helping the downtrodden was his top
priority along with fighting terrorism and the menace of drugs. Nandita Shah
from the NGO Akshara, which has joined hands with the cops for running the
‘103’ helpline, said women face discrimination at every place—from their homes
and offices to streets and public places.
“It’s important for the police to make female
victims feel respected and secure when they come to a police station. Following
up on whether callers in distress have received help is also necessary,’’ said
Iyengar.
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