In a letter to the police chief on May 4, Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) authorities asked police to prosecute all those harassing women near bus stops
Citing the issue of safety of women passengers using the Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) buses, transport authorities last week wrote to the Thane police department to ensure safety of women passengers at local bus stops.
With several secluded bus stops in Thane becoming junkie hotspots, women passengers often find themselves at the risk of getting mugged or being sexually harassed. File pic for representation
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In a letter to the Thane police commissioner on May 4, TMT manager Sudhir Raut requested the presence of police personnel at bus stops in Thane, which have become hubs for junkies and anti-social elements.
Giving an example, Raut mentioned that one of the bus stops in Dongripada area has been encroached upon by junkies and alcoholics. Raut said TMT committee member Anil Bhor brought the issue to the fore.
“Women’s safety is our priority. We have written to the police commissioner to increase police presence and take strict action against anyone found lurking near the bus stop in a suspicious manner,” said a transport officer.
Internal measures
Besides writing to the top cop, the transport authorities issued a circular asking ticket checkers, conductors, drivers and traffic controllers to inform the police the moment they spot someone loitering near a bus stop, or ask even ask a person to step off the bus if he harasses someone inside.
“We have also asked them to ensure that private buses and auto rickshaws don’t ferry passengers from bus stops, as it is a common practice during peak hours and late night. They can take the help of traffic controllers to do the needful,” a TMT officer said.
Cop speak
Parag Manare, DCP (Crime Branch), confirmed to mid-day about the department receiving a letter from the TMT authorities.
“We have taken serious note of the issue and intimated all the police stations to increase patrolling across all bus stops in their areas. Officers have been asked to take strict action against those found lurking suspiciously near the bus stops. Women’s safety is our priority and we support the transport authorities. In most cases, women don’t register a complaint. I would like to request women passengers to come forward and lodge complaints so that we are able to initiate action against culprits. The complainant’s identity will be kept confidential.”
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