'Rani Abbakka Pade' launched

With ‘Rani Abbakka Pade’ now becoming a reality, those indulging in stalking and eve teasing need to reform.

Rani Abbakka Pade (RAP), the women-only patrolling team of Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate, will keep vigil in public places in the city and act against lewd gestures targeted at women and children.

The move has come with the objective of instilling a feeling of security among women and children in public places.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil who launched RAP at City Center Mall on Tuesday said that ‘Rani Abbakka Pade’ comprised of 50 women police constables. It was formed as per the IGP’s directions. The 50 member-team is divided into battalions of five lady constables each.

“RAP will be deployed at beaches, parks, malls, colleges and bus shelters. They will also make random checks in buses to check eve-teasing, bag and chain snatching from elderly people in particular. Issues related to child abuse in public places will also be dealt with by RAP. Women suffering eve-teasing and other issues may directly complain to members of Rani Abbakka Pade, who will then hand over the vandals to the jurisdictional police,” he said.

‘Rani Abbakka Pade’ will be headed by Police Sub Inspector Srikala. Similar women-only patrolling teams are active in other districts, Patil added.