Visakhapatnam: To make the city of Vizag safer for women, the city police conducted a mapping of vulnerable areas. Police have identified 161 vulnerable areas and are taking steps to curb crime there. Harmful areas are divided into three categories – high (25), medium (48), and low (88). Although the city is known for peace and tranquility, crime against women and children raises questions about women’s safety.
Visakhapatnam City Police commissioner Mr. Manish Kumar Sinha IPS said their teams conducted vulnerability mapping as part of crime prevention. Direction patrol vehicles from each police station along with the armed forces are actively moving through the weak areas of the city to curb crime.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Disha Mahila Police Station) Ms. G Prem Kajal said that in addition to patrolling, women police on two-wheelers roam congested areas, including colleges, schools, and secluded areas, to prevent any untoward incidents. “We are opening suspicious sheets on suspects in cybercrimes and cyber threats and taking other necessary steps for the safety of women,” she said. More than 150 cases have been registered so far under the Pokso Act. Of the 111 cases that have been registered and 39 are under investigation. Charge sheets were filed in 12 cases at Disha Mahila police station. Charge sheets are being examined by the Special Public Prosecutor to tighten the case. Police said the integrated crime scene vehicle also gave us the edge to speed up the investigation.
Disha Counseling Center has been started for women at risk. More than 20 applications are received per month, most of which are resolved through counseling.
In all, 1,700 petitions were received at the Direction Police Station in 2021. Of those, 503 petitions were compromised and FIRs were registered on 735 petitions under the Domestic Violence Act and the Dowry Prohibition Act, police said.
Our Citizen Reporter,
Venkata T Reddy
