Crime against women: 161 vulnerable areas identified in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: City police have identified 161 areas across Vizag which are highly vulnerable for women. The vulnerable areas have been bifurcated into three categories --- high (25), moderate (48), and low (88).

City Police Chief Manish Kumar Sinha said as a part of the prevention of crimes, their teams have conducted vulnerability mapping. Disha patrolling vehicles from each police station were patrolling with the city armed force at the vulnerable areas to curb the menace. Though Vizag is known for peace and tranquillity, few incidents of crimes against women and children have raised the concern.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Disha Women Police Station) G Prem Kajal said women police on two-wheelers will patrol busy localities colleges, schools, and lonely places to avert untoward incidents. "We have opened suspect sheets against accused in DISHA crimes. We are also opening suspect sheets against cyberbullies for the safety of the women," she added.

So far over 150 cases were registered under the POCSO Act. Of these, 111 cases have been charged, and 39 are under investigation. Out of 150 cases, 12 cases were investigated by the Disha women police station. They have also filed the charge sheets. Special public prosecutors are also roped in to help make water-tight cases. Integrated crime scene vehicle has also helped in speeding up the investigation, police added.

"We have launched the Disha counseling center for women in distress. We have been receiving over 20 petitions in a month and most of these were solved through counseling," police said. Around 1,700 petitions have been received in 2021 at Disha police station. Of these, 503 petitions were resolved through mediation and 735 petitions were registered as FIRs under the domestic violence and dowry prohibition Act, the police added.