Powai police send women officers in plainclothes to guard visiting students at IIT-Bombay’s annual festival Mood Indigo
Out of uniform but on duty, women police officers wearing Mumbai Police ID cards pose with students at IIT Bombay’s Mood Indigo fest. Pic/By Special Arrangement
As thousands of students throng the IIT Bombay campus this week for ‘Mood Indigo’, the institute’s annual three-day cultural festival, many are unaware that a quiet security operation is unfolding around them.
Blending into the festive crowds are eight women police officers from Powai police station, dressed in civilian clothes and carrying only their Mumbai Police identity cards. The team includes two police sub-inspectors and six constables, all in their late 20s, deployed to keep a discreet watch on the campus while remaining approachable to students, especially women visiting Mumbai for the first time. The three-day festival is held on December 16, 17 and 18 at IIT-Bombay’s campus.
The officers move among the crowds, striking up casual conversations with students from states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as well as from other parts of Maharashtra. The idea, police say, is to make young visitors feel safe without the intimidation that often comes with visible policing.
Students throng IIT Bombay campus during the three-day Mood Indigo festival. Pics/By Special Arrangement
“Students smile at us when we are out of our vardi,” said PSI Swati Mayachari. “Once we introduce ourselves, they open up easily. Out of uniform, they speak more freely about their experiences and concerns in the city.”
During these interactions, the officers share information about police helplines, nearby medical facilities, public transport routes and local train stations. In some cases, they also give out their personal contact numbers so students can reach them directly if they need help.
While no incidents have been reported so far, officers said many students expressed anxiety about navigating Mumbai’s crowds. “Several youngsters told us they find the sheer scale of the city overwhelming. They are not used to such crowds. We reassure them and guide them to nearby support systems,” Mayachari said.
Plainclothes women police officers (wearing blue ID cards) keep a discreet watch on long queues of students during Mood Indigo
Even as students dance, dine and perform across the campus, the policewomen remain alert for any suspicious behaviour. According to officers, policing in plain clothes allows them to observe situations more realistically, as people tend to behave differently when they see uniformed personnel.
“This initiative was planned with our DCP to understand the ground reality during large student gatherings,” said Senior Police Inspector Jitendra Sonawane. “Our officers also help students with basic information about commuting and daily life in Mumbai.”
The women officers remain on campus from 9 am to 10 pm. In addition, the Mumbai Police has deployed ‘Nirbhaya Pathak’ patrol vans, each staffed with four personnel, to strengthen overall security during the festival.
"The idea is to increase the sense of security and comfort level of the students," said DCP Datta Nalawade. "So far, no untoward incidents have been reported," he added.
Dec 16, 17, & 18
Days the event is held
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