Dumka: Days after a 14-year-old schoolgirl was raped and murdered, leading to outrage across Santhal Pargana, Dumka deputy commissioner (DC) Abhijit Sinha on Wednesday directed officials to implement measures to create a secure environment for girls.“Ensuring girls’ safety is not the responsibility of the administration or police alone. Schools, teachers, parents, and society must work together for girls to pursue education without fear,” Sinha stated.Stressing on prompt action on complaints related to harassment or threats to students’ safety, the DC asked officials to prominently display helpline numbers, 112 and 1098, at schools, panchayat offices, anganwadi centres, health facilities and other public institutions. Awareness messages and flex boards would also be installed at strategic locations. Officials were asked to identify poorly lit areas and install street lights, where required.Police personnel were asked to intensify patrolling around educational institutions, especially during opening and closing hours, and along routes taken by students. They were also instructed to strengthen night patrolling at key public places, including Outdoor Stadium, Khunta Bandh, and Gandhi Maidan.Sinha directed education officials to introduce self-defence training in all schools. Institutes have been directed to maintain details of private van and school vehicle drivers and submit the records to the district education officer. Visitor registers and complaint boxes will be monitored regularly, with sensitive complaints handled confidentially. The DC also called for regular parent-teacher meetings and strict action against reckless bikers near schools.SP Pitambar Singh Kherwar and other senior officials attended the meeting.Photo caption: The rape and murder of a 14-year-old schoolgirl triggered widespread protests in Dumka and other parts of Santhal Pargana.
