Nagpur: In a major initiative to strengthen women’s safety, Nagpur police have identified 371 vulnerable hotspots across the city and placed them under the surveillance of local beat marshals and 12 newly constituted Nirbhaya Pathaks, which are currently operating on a pilot basis.To ensure accountability and regular monitoring, police personnel are required to record every patrol visit through a QR-code-based vigilance system, allowing senior officers to track movements and inspections in real time.The vulnerable locations were identified following an extensive mapping exercise of areas with a history of crimes against women, inadequate street lighting, absence of CCTV surveillance, and difficult accessibility. The list also includes places frequented by women and girls that continue to present safety concerns.The initiative comes in the wake of Supreme Court’s recent suo motu intervention on women’s safety in parks and other public spaces following incidents reported in the Delhi-NCR region, including the alleged gang rape at Astha Kunj Park.Additional commissioner of police Vinita Sahu, who oversees women’s safety operations under CP Vishwas Nangre Patil, said several parks had already been identified as vulnerable and patrolling had been intensified.“Parks, promenades and other public spaces are under constant surveillance. We have also coordinated with the electricity department to ensure adequate lighting at these locations,” Sahu said.She added that CP had directed the installation of QR codes at all vulnerable locations to ensure consistent patrolling. A multi-agency committee has also been constituted to review and upgrade women’s safety measures, while periodic assessments will help identify and add emerging hotspots to the list.Sahu said the Nirbhaya squads had been deployed throughout the city during Ganeshotsav to enhance women’s safety and would continue their operations beyond the festival period. The safety initiative has also been extended to the digital sphere, with police stepping up efforts to protect women and girls from online harassment and cyber threats.The 12 Nirbhaya Pathaks are scheduled to be formally inaugurated by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during the Navaratri festivities. Until then, these squads will continue functioning on a trial basis.Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy said the measures reflect the city police’s proactive approach towards crime prevention. “The objective is to identify risks and vulnerabilities before an incident occurs,” Reddy said.
