Crimes against women existed in the past too: DGP (SB) Bhattacharyya

OUR BUREAU

SIVASAGAR/JOYSAGAR, May 19: Crimes against women were there in the past too, but a majority of them went unreported, said Pallav Bhattacharyya, Director General of Police (Special Branch).

While addressing a largely-attended awareness meeting organized by Sachetan Nagarik Moncha, a forum of socially-conscious citizens, on 'Stop Crime against Women' at Sivasgar Natya Mandir on Friday, Bhattacharyya said that present-day media often highlighted most of the crimes committed against women and children and therefore it appeared that crimes against women were on the rise. However, the DGP (Special Branch) lauded the role of the media as it helped the law-enforcing authorities in nabbing the culprits. He called upon all, especially the women, to assist the State police in curbing atrocities against womenfolk.

Reflecting on the present situation, Bhattacharjya said that the peaceful situation prevailing in the State suddenly took a u-turn once the NRC update process began in Barpeta district and the divisive forces compelled the government to stall the work. The ongoing NRC update process now had also been disrupted by angry agitations against certain amendment legislations. "But the JPC visit is part of a healthy functioning of our vibrant democracy. There is nothing to create a law-and-order situation and the public should cooperate with the JPC rather peacefully," he said.

The meeting, presided over by Dipali Bhattacharyya Baruah, was addressed, among others, by Subodh Sonowal, Superintendent of Police, Sivasagar. Sonowal in his speech claimed that the mobile phone culture had brought in a change in attitude towards women, which was far from healthy. He urged upon all to provide first information to the district police whenever a crime against women and children was noticed. Sivasagar Police have been relentlessly trying to curb crimes against women, but for that to happen, public should lend support, he said.

The meeting was also addressed by Chandan Bhattacharyya, president of Sachetan Nagarik Moncha, Bharati Saikia, Mridusmita Singha, chairperson of Sivasagar Municipal Board, and Rashmita Das, secretary of Sivasagar Legal Service Authority.