New Delhi: "It is a matter of shame that women do not feel secure in the capital of the country," Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said in the presence of city's top cop who blamed indifferent atttitude of Delhiites towards crime against the fair sex.
At a function to celebrate International Women's Day, the Chief Minister almost snubbed Police Commissioner B. K. Gupta when she rejected his claim of improvement in law and order situation, saying the women in the city were living in an "atmosphere of insecurity".
"We invited you here to convey our great concern over the feeling of insecurity among the women in the city. Leaving aside the statistics, I want to ask you do we feel safe in the city. If women in the capital do not feel secure and safe then is it not a matter of shame," Dikshit said.
Earlier, in his address Gupta, citing statistics, claimed improvement in law and order situation and blamed lack of sensitivity among people for increasing cases of violence against women.
"In cities like Kolkata, people react very strongly when they see crime against women. Here there is no such reaction. We are very passive. Why people do not react when they see harassment of women. The incidents will come down if people react strongly against them," said Gupta.
Rebutting Gupta's argument, Dikshit said, "It is a matter of shame for each one of us that the capital city of India is considered most unsafe for women. This is not acceptable."
"You talked about Kolkata. Of course, women are safe in Kolkata. There are two reasons for it. You must remember that police in Kolkata as well as the civil society are sensitive," the Chief Minister said.
Giving an account of steps taken by police, Gupta said all the new PCR vans will have one lady police officer while a women desk has been set up in each police station across the city.
"Do not be a silent sufferer of these incidents. Protest them with full vigour. Police will extend all cooperation in ensuring your safety," Gupta told the gathering which included representatives of various leading NGOs, government officials and RWAs.
Gupta said the BPOs have been told to strictly follow the norms prescribed for dropping of women employees who work in offices at night.
"We have already filed FIRs against 15 violations." The top cop also said he has written a letter to Chief Justice of Delhi High Court to set up fast track courts to take up rape cases so that the victims do not have to wait longer for getting justice.
Dikshit said the city government will provide all required support to the police to make the city safe and secure for women.