After many bizarre reasons that several ministers of this country have given on why women get raped, now the Kolkata police has come up with a 12-point guideline for women on ways to stay safe and avoid eve-teasing.

The do's and don'ts, posted on the official police website in a section titled "Tips on How to Prevent Eve-Teasing", are disturbingly reminscent of the archaic points of view expressed by khap panchayats, instructing women on how to dress and when to leave the house.

In fact, 'Dress decently' is the most important 'tip' to women on the site. Also those making the list are "be well-behaved" and "avoid late nights". As for taking public transport, the Bidhannagar police station has clearly told women not to travel in "crowded trains."

The page is signed by the recently appointed deputy commissioner of police of the detective department, Bidhannagar City Police, Kankar Barui, IPS. The officer was quoted as saying:

"I have put up the tips. There is nothing wrong with them. One should behave appropriately according to where you are."

As expected, reactions poured in within minutes of this announcement. CPI(M) leaders condemned the move and were quoted by Times Now as saying:

"This government, this police cannot protect women. They cannot check crime. But they will issue bizarre guidelines."

Women's rights groups too reacted sharply on the matter. In an NDTV report, Anuradha Kapoor of the women's rights group, Swayam, was quoted as saying:

"It is preposterous. Instead of taking steps to make the city safe for women, at all times, ensuring safe transport for women, asking men to stop harassing and behave themselves and take men to task, the entire blame and onus of safety is being put on women."

Popular Bengali actress Parno Mitra in a text message said:

"M irritated with this whole thing. I dont know wat to say!!! For a change i think they should do their job as well. Instead of lecturing women on how to conduct themselves. Every time there's a problem the only solution they can come up with is dress appropriately."

Here are the 12 tips suggested by the police:

Bidhannagar brochure on eve-teasing