Women traffic cops to learn karate
Over 300 women traffic constables in Mumbai are being trained in karate, self-defence and street-fighting tactics at the Naigaon police grounds in Bhoiwada.
The programme — a brainchild of joint commissioner of police (traffic) Vivek Phansalkar — kickstarted on Monday. It is being undertaken with a view to tackle instances of unruly motorists manhandling women constables, particularly freshly inducted ones after they are held for violating traffic norms.
A traffic official present at the inaugural session said, “The main motivation for the camp was the Azad Maidan incident, where several of our female colleagues were molested by the rioters. Nobody can now attack a police official and get away with it.”
Three batches of 100 constables each will be trained by head constable S. Gavai, a sixth degree karate black belt, who has participated at international competitions in Japan, Europe and Brazil.
Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Subhash Nilewad said, “Woman officers are being unabashedly molested; public’s insecurity increases after it sees protectors of law becoming victims of crime. This training will not only help female officers combat sexual offenders, it will also have a positive psychological effect on female citizens.”
Traffic constable Sangita Patil said, “Offenders need to realise that physically harassing any woman won’t be taken lightly.”
The programme will also see refresher courses every month. After the basic course covers the three batches, the traffic police will rope in private martial artists in the city to coach the women.
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