During the Navratri festival between October 3 and 12, a total of 62 eve-teasing incidents were reported from districts across Gujarat. These calls received between 8 pm and 5 am were made to the 181 Abhayam Women Helpline, a 24×7 free emergency outreach service to support and protect women in distress. Additionally, 15 calls were received specifically from Navratri event venues, highlighting concerns around safety at large gatherings during the festive season.
Ahmedabad leads in incidents
Ahmedabad topped the list of districts with 18 cases of eve-teasing reported, including 5 calls from Navratri-specific venues. Of these, rescue vans were dispatched to the scene in 9 cases to offer immediate assistance. Of the 5 incidents reported from Navratri venues, rescue teams were sent in 3 cases, and the individuals involved were handed over to local police for further investigation.
In addition to the eve-teasing cases, a total of 1,256 calls were received by the Abhayam helpline during the entire day at the time of the festival. For 276 of these calls, the authorities sent rescue vans to the spot, underscoring the importance of swift response during the celebrations.
Incidents in other districts
Several other districts reported significant numbers of incidents.
- Surat: 7 eve-teasing cases, though no calls from Navratri venues.
- Rajkot: 6 calls, including 1 from a Navratri venue.
- Bhavnagar: 5 incidents.
Other districts like Vadodara and Dahod reported 5 and 2 cases respectively, while smaller districts such as Amreli, Anand, and Banas Kantha reported fewer incidents.
Navratri venues also affected
Out of the 15 calls received from Navratri event locations, Ahmedabad accounted for 5, while districts like Rajkot and Vadodara each reported 1 call from these venues. This highlights the vulnerability of women during public festivities and the need for stricter security measures.
Among the 5 incidents reported from Navratri venues in Ahmedabad, the incidents occurred at Lamba (1), Naranpura (1), Chandkheda (2), and Vejalpur (1). Rescue teams were sent in 3 cases, and the individuals involved were handed over to local police. However, no formal cases were registered, as the on-scene resolution was achieved in all 3 instances.
Role of 181 Abhayam Women Helpline
The women’s helpline serves as a crucial first access point for women in distress, offering a free, 24×7 emergency outreach service across Gujarat. The helpline ensures immediate response and protection for women facing harassment, assisting on-site when needed.