Nagpur police plan 12 women-led Nirbhaya squads to strengthen women's safety

Amid incidents of harassment, stalking and other crimes against women in Nagpur, women's safety has become a major concern. Nagpur Police are strengthening their security network on the ground, increasing patrols and focusing on reaching distress calls quickly. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rashmita Rao spoke in an interview about the city's policing strategy, the work of the women's safety squads and future plans.

Rao said the police aim to let women move about freely in public places and return home safely even late at night. According to her, the city police are active so that any woman who is harassed or frightened gets help immediately. She said prompt action, effective patrolling and sensitive handling of complaints are central to the police approach.

Speaking about the pace of investigations, Rao said that in some cases of crimes against women, the police completed the investigation and filed a chargesheet within just 6 to 13 hours. This shows the emphasis on swift legal action against the accused, so that victims do not have to face long delays in investigation, she indicated.

Rao said the "Durga Marshal" initiative, started in 2025, has 14 women police personnel in the unit. They patrol different parts of the city, watch for suspicious activity and prevent women from being harassed. The team keeps a particular watch on eve-teasers, stalkers and those who behave inappropriately with women in public places. Its presence is meant to deter harassment and to give women police officers they can talk to easily and trust.

Rao also mentioned the Dial 112 emergency system. She said that after a call for help is received, police personnel generally reach the spot in about five to six minutes. This quick response is especially important for women who are being harassed or are in danger while travelling or returning home at night.

To expand women's safety efforts, Nagpur Police are planning 12 women-led Nirbhaya squads on the initiative of Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil. These special teams will patrol regularly, keep watch on sensitive public places and strengthen safety arrangements for women across the city. The aim is not only to act after a crime but also to prevent harassment before it happens through visible police presence and proactive work. The proposed squads are expected to build confidence among women who go out late at night for work, study or other reasons.

Rao also said women's complaints must be treated sensitively and police stations should have an environment in which victims can report crimes without fear, hesitation or social pressure. The conversation also touched on larger issues such as women's rights, their sense of safety and the patriarchal mindset that still affects attitudes toward women in society. Describing the police's responsibility in tackling these challenges, Rao stressed the need for sustained action, public awareness and accountable policing.

The Durga Marshal unit is already working and 12 Nirbhaya squads are planned. Nagpur Police thus want to strengthen both preventive policing and emergency response. The larger challenge remains that women should feel safe not only in the presence of police but in every neighbourhood, every lane and every public place in the city.