LUCKNOW: UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting with senior police and home department officials on Monday and pulled them up for ‘failing to instil fear among criminals’ after the state was rocked by at least five cases of crime against minor girls in the past week, triggering outrage across the nation.

The CM also issued instructions to officials to strengthen policing, re-activating anti-Romeo squads and preparing a list of accused in crimes against women for keeping them under surveillance. He also ordered intensified foot patrolling in rural areas.

Sources said the CM was miffed because he had asked district administration to revive anti-Romeo squads during IAS week celebrations in February, but the matter was put on backburner due to Lok Sabha polls.

“He was upset with everyone, especially over the anti-Romeo squads. He also questioned home department why women police was not being used effectively and expressed displeasure over police failure to make arrests even a day after complaints are registered,” said an official.

After the meeting, DGP O P Singh said, “A detailed discussion took place on the incidents reported over the past week and how to best address the situation. Police reacted fast in all cases and arrested the accused. Statements of minor victims are being recorded under section 164. We are trying our best to not just solve the cases but ensure strictest punishment for culprits in Kushinagar , Hamirpur and Aligarh cases,” he said.

In a slew of directions aimed to increase security for women, CM Yogi directed the DGP to identify 10 horrific cases of crime against minor girls from each range, get them solved and ensure the strictest possible punishment for the convicts through fast track courts.

“The CM said that a list of those accused in crimes against women should be prepared and police must keep an eye on them. Anti-Romeo squads have to be activated and located in crowded areas like markets and sensitive zones. These squads will run a special drive in June,” said an official.

Senior police officials, including ADG, IG and DIG, have been asked to make frequent field trips and encourage patrolling to deter crime. The SSPs has been asked to visit police stations every day. Sources said that foot patrolling will be increased especially in rural areas. Dial 100 vehicles will be stationed in commercial areas and at sensitive spots.

“The CM has asked for regular random checking of vehicles. He also said that men on bikes doing stunts, or those with their faces covered should be discouraged,” said an official.

Once schools reopen in July, the women welfare department along with police will carry out an awareness drive on women safety. Since domestic violence is a part of crime against women, the CM said, that ‘181’ helpline should be strengthened and the number advertised. The 1090 women power line is also to be strengthened.



In Video: Re-activate anti-Romeo squads, says UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath