CCTV to curb eve-teasing cases

Patna: Authorities in Bihar are installing huge number of Close Circuit TV camera all over the public places across the state to keep a track on the eve-teasers, alarmed at the sudden rise in incidents of harassment against women in recent weeks. Officials said they had identified a total of 1,122 strategic locations across the state where these cameras would be placed.

The move follows after the Crime Investigation Department (weaker sections) ordered the district police to seriously consider installing CCTV at public places in the areas and asked them to send a list of strategic locations where they should be placed. Acting on the directive, the district police chiefs have sent a detailed list of such places selected for preferred installation of such cameras.

A maximum of 194 cameras will be installed in Patna, the capital city of Bihar, whereas a minimum of only two have been required in Sheohar, a north Bihar town, officials said.

The places include crowded market places, parks, zoos, main roads, important roundabouts, coaching institutes, schools, colleges, temple areas, bridges, railway stations, some pavements and near airports.

“We are taking help of technology to tame crime. The CCTV footages will help us locate the eve-teasers and ultimately curb eve-teasing and other such incidents of violence against women in the long run,” inspector general of police, Crime Investigation Department (weaker section), Patna, Arvind Pandey said today. He said the police had identified the places for installing such camera in the state.

The case of harassment and other related violence has alarmingly increased in recent months, lest aside the incidents of rape — earning much embarrassment to the state police in general and ruling National Democratic Alliance government in particular. A few girls even have committed suicide after being frequently harassed as was seen in Sitamarhi district.

Only recently, a bloody clash took place between two groups of students on the campus of Patna University when rivals passed lewd remarks towards some college girls out on morning stroll. When the other group protested, the rival group attacked the students with bamboo sticks, bat and roads as two students sustained severe injuries, and had to be admitted to hospital.

In another such daredevil act, two youths not only harassed a college girl but also thrashed her father in full public view while they were returning home. Such incidents continue to pour in from different parts of the state, creating a fear psychosis among the girls. Alarmed, the police have put up big boards at important places in the state capital mentioning contact number of senior police officials who could be approached during the time of crisis.