Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday told the police not to harass couples in public places if they are meeting by mutual consent, following complaints against the newly formed anti-Romeo squads.

The direction not to harass couples came when reports of UP Police harassing boys and girls in the name of curbing eve teasing and harassment started coming up.

In its election manifesto for Uttar Pradesh, the BJP promised to create Anti-Romeo Dals (or squads) near colleges to "ensure the safety of college-going girls" and "check eve-teasing".

Also read: What Are Anti-Romeo Squads? How Do They Operate? Points to know

Immediately after Yogi Adityanath took oath as UP CM, he ordered police to form ‘anti-Romeo Squads’ to curb harassment of girls outside schools and colleges.

An anti-Romeo squad consists of two policemen -- usually, a man and a woman.

These squads have been formed first in the 11 districts that fall under Lucknow zone.

The other guidelines issued to senior state officials include installation of biometric system for attendence and CCTV cameras in government offices.

The CM in a series of directive has also asked officials to ensure presence of doctors at government hospital.

Yogi Adityanath also asked police officials to take strict action against criminals, land mafia without any discrimination.

In other fresh directives from CM office, the police officials have been asked to ensure proper facilities for complainants at police stations.