Uttar Pradesh Police’s ‘Anti-Romeo’ Campaign: Apprehends Over 38,000 Individuals To Ensure Women’s Safety
Lucknow, 9th August 2023: In yet another effort to enhance the safety and security of women, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police has apprehended over 38,000 individuals labelled as “roadside Romeos” from sensitive regions across the state.
Under the guidance of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the authorities conducted awareness workshops as part of a 17-day-long campaign termed ‘Anti-Romeo’, which aimed to familiarize women with ongoing welfare initiatives. Rolled out on July 21st, this endeavour was part of Mission Shakti, an initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The mission aimed to strengthen interventions dedicated to enhancing the safety, security, and empowerment of women. This marked the second phase of the program implemented by the UP Police in the state.
During this initiative, plainclothes officers apprehended approximately 38,000 individuals considered to be roadside Romeos or individuals engaging in antisocial behaviour. These arrests were made in areas known for incidents of eve-teasing and other problematic behaviour. Among the apprehended, around 33,000 people were counselled and sternly cautioned before being released. Legal action was taken against 5,500 individuals, and 511 people were subjected to fines.
According to previously released data from the state government, the anti-Romeo squads registered 4,231 cases and took legal action against 5,585 individuals during the first 270 days of Yogi Adityanath’s second term (between April 2, 2022, and December 28, 2022). This represented an increase of roughly threefold compared to the initial 268 days of the Yogi government’s first term, during which the anti-Romeo squads dealt with 1,706 cases and 3,003 individuals between March 22, 2017, and December 15, 2017.
Vijay Kumar, acting Director General of Police (DGP) for UP, stated in a press release, “Our team covered around 83,373 villages to raise awareness about various government programs for women. Additionally, we conducted gatherings in approximately 78,474 villages, involving over 23 lakh women and more than 15 lakh men. We connected them through WhatsApp groups to keep them informed about government initiatives aimed at fostering self-reliance.”
In addition to these efforts, during the campaign, law enforcement officers visited schools to educate children about appropriate and inappropriate physical contact. Seminars and awareness campaigns were also organized in schools to familiarize students with the concept of appropriate and inappropriate touch.
