Use woman power to control crime, Gujarat CM Anandiben directs cops

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's Big Ben, Anandiben Patel, has decided to use woman power to curb the growing menace of illegal liquor dens in the state.

Patel has asked the police administration to form women committees at taluka, district and city levels to curb crime. These women committees will not only help police in bringing down the crime rate by giving tip-offs but will also swing into action whenever any need arises.

"All my life I never entered a police station. I may be new to the home department but I plan to use the wide network of women to improve policing," Patel had told TOI soon after taking over as CM.

One of her first major decisions was to implement 33% reservation for women in police recruitment. She also relaxed norms to encourage more women to join the force.

Recently, the CM had expressed concern over the rising crime graph against women and illegal liquor dens. She then floated the idea of roping in active women from sakhi mandals to give inside information on crime in their areas.

Police has been directed to form women committees, using resources from sakhi mandals, local police and the collector's office.

Ahmedabad police commissioner Shivanand Jha said women committees to be formed in the city will help police in curbing the menace of illegal liquor dens. "We have been cracking down on liquor and gambling dens across the city. Women committees will give our effort a shot in the arm," added Jha.