Synergy Institute of Management had recently organised a seminar on ‘Police Law and Order’, focussing on women’s safety. Two lady officers interacted with women on the occasion.

Seema Mehendale, Police Inspector (Crime) Shivajinagar Police Station, said, “Women can complain any time without any hesitation and the complaint will be registered at the police station. In recent years, the police department has undergone immense transformation. There is a misunderstanding among people that police do not register women’s complaints, but the police is there to help. Committees such as Women’s Committee, Peace Committee, Mohalla Committee and so on have been specially formed to help women, and for mob control and festival management, respectively.”

Talking about the increasing incidence of crime against women, Mehendale said, “Nowadays, cyber criminals can hack into your account and gain access to your personal information like your mail id or phone number. They can send abusive messages on the mobile, WhatsApp, etc. Social media crimes are also on the rise. Which is why women have to be extra cautious and not give many details about themselves on social media sites.”

Smita Jadhav, in-charge of Women’s Grievance Redressal Cell, Pune Crime Branch who was also present at the event, distributed a book on women’s safety. The book mentions revised laws and penalty for various crimes. It also talks about amendments to the Constitution.

Jadhav said that women in distress can always avail the services of the 24-hour helpline: 1091. “We have a panel of experts including a psychiatrist, lawyer and counsellor to help women. To ensure women’s safety, the police and people must cooperate with each other,” she said.