KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday that the strength of women in the police force would be increased to 15 per cent. While flagging off the pink police in Kochi, he said that the decision to increase women representation was part of ensuring the safety of women and children in the state. “A change in the social atmosphere is necessary to ensure safety of women. Though Kerala is far ahead in security of women, shocking instances of brutal atrocities are being reported from the state. Unfortunately, the shock and pain caused by such incidents fade within a short time,” the chief minister said.
Studies indicate that nearly 75 per cent of sexual atrocities are not being reported. Many of the victims and their families are reluctant to register complaints fearing mental torture by the police, he said. The chief minister asserted the government’s stand that police should always strongly stand with the victims. During the function, Mayor Soumini Jain released the advertisement film on pink police patrolling directed by U. Harish, media professional and Ananthlal, CI, central police.
The pink police team will have four uniformly designed vehicles with GPS, camera and other modern technology facilities. Each vehicle will have four specially trained women police officials including a driver. The team will conduct patrolling in the busy areas and school/college premises. The pink police will function from 8 am to 8pm. Complaints received at the control room on atrocities against women and women safety will be handed over to the pink police team. Women can contact the pink police on Whatsapp number 7559899100.
