Mon Mar 31 20:16:55 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Police Launch “Shishtachar” Squads to Combat Women’s Harassment
**New Delhi, April 1, 2025** – Delhi Police have launched 30 new “Shishtachar” (discipline/etiquette) squads dedicated to preventing the harassment of women in public spaces. The initiative, announced on March 8th by Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, follows a BJP election promise and aims to improve women’s safety across the city.
Plainclothes officers, both male and female, are deployed at crime hotspots including schools, colleges, parks, bus stops, and areas with high foot traffic. Their approach focuses on proactive intervention and deterring harassment before it escalates. One officer, Constable Renu, described how the undercover nature of the squads allows them to effectively identify and address harassment, instilling fear in potential offenders.
The squads are already making an impact. Since their launch, over 300 individuals have been detained for various offenses. Detentions range from warnings to fines under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act. The squads also actively educate commuters about safety resources such as the Himmat App and the SOS buttons on Delhi Transport Corporation buses.
The police emphasize that victims can report incidents confidentially by calling the dedicated helpline 1091, ensuring immediate assistance. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public safety and enhance women’s feeling of security in Delhi.
First Piper 