DCW writes to Delhi Commissioner of Police on issue of women security in Delhi

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) took cognizance of a recent incident of molestation and assault of a 21-year-old woman reported from the Anand Parbat area. The commission wrote to Alok Verma, Delhi Commissioner of Police (DCP) urging him to conduct enquiry into the role of local police in the case.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal said, “The recent incident of molestation of a 21 year old girl in Anand Parbat has again highlighted the security issues faced by girls and women in Delhi. Around an year back, a 19 year old girl Meenakshi was brutally murdered in Anand Parbat by the same men who had been harassing her for a long time.”

“In the case of Meenakshi, it was alleged that she had raised the issue with the local police yet no action had been taken on her complaint. Shockingly no one had come forward to help her while she was brutally killed in full public glare,” she said.

In the recent Anand Parbat molestation case, the interaction of the Commission with the 21 year old victim and the eye-witness has revealed crucial aspects of the case which merit your immediate attention, stated the letter written to DCP.

The commission feels that the role of the local police seems to be under question. The victim in her written complaint to the Commission has stated that her FIR was registered only upon the intervention of the concerned DCP of the district. She has also complained of being pressurised by the local police and the family members of the accused to withdraw the case. “The complainant continues till date to live in an atmosphere of insecurity as 3 of the accused are yet to be arrested. As reported by media, it is heartening to note that your good office has sought a report from the concerned DCP on this incident,” said Maliwal in the letter.

The Commission recommended that an enquiry should be conducted into the role of the concerned local police officers and if found guilty, strict action should be taken against them. “DCW also recommends that the investigation of the case should be conducted by another police station and monitored at the level of the DCP. Also, adequate steps should be immediately taken by Police to ensure the safety and security of the victim,” Maliwal added.

Maliwal reiterated, “The Commission wishes to reiterate its commitment of working with the Delhi Police as our aims are completely aligned when it comes to security and safety of women in the National Capital of Delhi.”

Besides, DCW has also written a letter to Delhi State Legal Services Authority, asking it to provide protection to the victim and the eyewitness under the Witness Protection Scheme of the Delhi government.