Following a disturbing incident where a 14-year-old girl was secretly filmed in a changing room, the state police have launched a 10-day statewide safety drive from October 15 to 25. The initiative aims to protect women, minors, and isolated senior citizens during the festive season.
Undercover Operations
A circular issued by state police directs district and city police chiefs to deploy discreet surveillance in bazaars, malls, and shopping complexes to catch eve-teasers and perverts.
Additional DGP Ajay Choudhary said that SHE teams will specifically inspect changing rooms. “SHE teams across the state will visit malls and readymade garment showrooms, disguised as shoppers. This time, we’re going to be very strict,” he said.
The drive will also focus on the safety of senior citizens living alone, with special teams stationed near jewellery showrooms, banks, and angadia firms. Cops have been instructed to maintain a list of pickpockets and integrate their photos into the CCTV face-recognition network.
Incident That Triggered the Drive
The campaign was triggered by an incident on October 1 at Palladium Mall, SG Highway. A teenage girl shopping with her parents noticed a mobile phone placed suspiciously in the trial room at MAX showroom. Realising it was recording her, she grabbed the device and alerted her parents.
Upon checking, the family found four obscene videos of the girl. Her mother immediately informed store staff and filed a complaint at Vastrapur Police Station, leading to the arrest of 27-year-old Ravi Prajapati.
The safety drive underscores the police’s commitment to protect vulnerable groups and ensure safe shopping environments during the festive season.