Thaindian News

Ranchi, Sep 16 (IANS) Police have launched a campaign against harassment of women in the Jharkhand capital, stepping up presence at public places and opening helpline numbers for victims to lodge their complaints. Ten youths were arrested during the campaign in the last two days.

The police action came after local media highlighted the growing problem. Last week, two girls were assaulted by boys in separate incidents - one barely escaped being strangulated near St Xavier College Ranchi and the other was beaten up near a shopping complex at Circular Road.

On the basis of media reports, Jharkhand High Court suo moto took up the issue Tuesday and directed the police to take appropriate action against those harassing women.

Ranchi Deputy Commissioner K.K. Soan Friday called a meeting of the school and college authorities and discussed how to check the harassment of women. Police officials also attended the meeting.

“We have launched a drive against harassment of women at different places in Ranchi. The places include schools, colleges, shopping malls and other places. In last two days, ten youths were arrested. We have come out with helpline numbers. Anyone can lodge their complaint on the helpline numbers. The officers in charge of police stations have been issued direction to adopt measures to stop the harassment,” a senior police official told IANS.

Harassment had witnessed a surge in Ranchi, with many youth loitering around schools, colleges and shopping complexes and passing obscene remarks against girls.