JAIPUR: Seeking state protection has now become easier in Rajasthan for married couples and “couples living in close relationships”, if they are facing threat or harassment from families or caste/community groups. State police on Saturday introduced a standard operating procedure (SOP) for providing security to couples under threat, in compliance with a directive by the Rajasthan high court on Aug 2.
According to the SOP, couples can submit their applications either personally or through a representative or lawyer. Additional DGP (civil rights) Bhupendra Sahu said couples can file complaints through helpline numbers such as Dial 112, women’s helpline (1090), state-level WhatsApp helpline (8764871150) and district-level WhatsApp helplines.
Complaints can also be registered via police control room numbers or the district control room’s email ID.
Additionally, the state crime records bureau (SCRB) will soon provide a link on the police website to allow online complaint submissions without the need to visit a police station. “Complaints received through these channels will be immediately forwarded by the officer-in-charge to the nodal officer, circle officer and station house officer concerned,” said Sahu.
Upon receiving a complaint, the nodal officer will provide immediate assistance and police protection, if needed. The couple’s statements will be recorded through audio and video, under CCTV surveillance. If a credible threat is identified, police protection will be offered. In case protection is not warranted, the reasons will have to spelt out.
Family members may also be involved in conflict resolution, and if necessary, shelter will be arranged in safe houses run by the department of social justice and empowerment.
The ADG said the SOP outlines the responsibilities of nodal officers, district SPs, DCPs and range IGs, ensuring that complaints are addressed within seven days. If couples are dissatisfied with the nodal officer’s actions, they can escalate the matter to the district SP, who will resolve it within three days.
SCRB is developing a system that will allow couples to track the status of their complaints. If further dissatisfaction arises, they can approach the district or state-level police accountability committees for a timely resolution. The high court had declared that police authorities had a constitutional responsibility to protect couples facing threats or harassment, and directed state govt to establish an effective mechanism to protect people, including inter-caste couples, whose lives and liberty were at risk. Additionally, the court ordered setting up of police complaint authorities at state and district levels in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling.
According to the SOP, couples can submit their applications either personally or through a representative or lawyer. Additional DGP (civil rights) Bhupendra Sahu said couples can file complaints through helpline numbers such as Dial 112, women’s helpline (1090), state-level WhatsApp helpline (8764871150) and district-level WhatsApp helplines.
Complaints can also be registered via police control room numbers or the district control room’s email ID.
Additionally, the state crime records bureau (SCRB) will soon provide a link on the police website to allow online complaint submissions without the need to visit a police station. “Complaints received through these channels will be immediately forwarded by the officer-in-charge to the nodal officer, circle officer and station house officer concerned,” said Sahu.
Upon receiving a complaint, the nodal officer will provide immediate assistance and police protection, if needed. The couple’s statements will be recorded through audio and video, under CCTV surveillance. If a credible threat is identified, police protection will be offered. In case protection is not warranted, the reasons will have to spelt out.
Family members may also be involved in conflict resolution, and if necessary, shelter will be arranged in safe houses run by the department of social justice and empowerment.
The ADG said the SOP outlines the responsibilities of nodal officers, district SPs, DCPs and range IGs, ensuring that complaints are addressed within seven days. If couples are dissatisfied with the nodal officer’s actions, they can escalate the matter to the district SP, who will resolve it within three days.
SCRB is developing a system that will allow couples to track the status of their complaints. If further dissatisfaction arises, they can approach the district or state-level police accountability committees for a timely resolution. The high court had declared that police authorities had a constitutional responsibility to protect couples facing threats or harassment, and directed state govt to establish an effective mechanism to protect people, including inter-caste couples, whose lives and liberty were at risk. Additionally, the court ordered setting up of police complaint authorities at state and district levels in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling.
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