Delhi Police launches ‘Shishtachar’ squads to combat eve-teasing

In a bid to enhance women’s safety in public spaces, the Delhi Police has launched a dedicated squad against eve-teasing, named Shishtachar. At least 30 teams have been deployed across the national capital, particularly in identified hotspots, to curb harassment and ensure a safer environment for women.

The initiative aligns with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election manifesto promise to establish an Anti-Romeo Squad—a concept first implemented in Uttar Pradesh—to tackle street harassment.

According to a circular issued on March 8 by the Delhi Police Commissioner, these squads, comprising both male and female officers, will patrol high-risk areas, respond swiftly to complaints, and raise awareness about anti-harassment laws. The approach focuses on prevention, intervention, and victim assistance while ensuring legal enforcement without imposing moral policing.

Squad composition and operations

Each district will have at least two Shishtachar squads, supervised by the Additional Commissioner of Police in the Crime Against Women (CAW) Cell. The teams will include an inspector, a sub-inspector, four female officers, five male officers and one technical personnel from the Anti-Auto Theft Squad.

To ensure effective patrolling and rapid response, the squads will be equipped with one four-wheeler and several two-wheelers.

District Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) will identify harassment-prone hotspots, with squad deployments planned accordingly. The deployment roster will be approved weekly by the DCP of the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC). Squads will patrol at least two vulnerable locations daily, covering all identified areas over time.

Proactive measures and public engagement

To strengthen vigilance, plainclothes female officers will be deployed to identify offenders, and surprise checks will be conducted in public transport. The initiative also includes collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs).

Local volunteers

Delhi Police has emphasised sensitivity in handling cases, directing officers to act swiftly under sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) while ensuring that victims are shielded from unnecessary public scrutiny.

Monitoring and training

The performance of these squads will be closely monitored. The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for CAW in each district will submit weekly reports to the DCP (SPUWAC), which will then be compiled and sent to the Commissioner of Police via the Special Commissioner of Police (SPUWAC). Additionally, monthly evaluations will incorporate feedback from schools, colleges, RWAs, MWAs, and PCR call data.

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To enhance operational efficiency, the Delhi Police Academy has introduced specialised training for all squad members, ensuring they are well-equipped for their roles. District DCPs will personally oversee the selection of personnel to ensure a team that is empathetic, motivated, and effective.

Background

The concept of Anti-Romeo Squads was first introduced by the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, fulfilling the BJP’s election promise to tackle street harassment. With the launch of Shishtachar, Delhi Police aims to replicate and refine this model to create safer public spaces for women in the capital.