Civil society members move DGP, collector over women safety

Time of India

25-07-2025

Cuttack: Civil society members submitted a memorandum on safety of women to the director general of police and the district collector on Friday. The memorandum highlights the increasing crimes against women and the deteriorating safety conditions in the region.
Dipayan Pattnaik, a member of United Nations India pointed out the alleged misuse of funds from the Rs 137-crore Safe City Project, which was sanctioned following the Nirbhaya incident. "CCTV cameras were supposed to be installed across the twin cities, and women's help desks set up in every police station. However, there is little visible impact on the ground," he said.
The memorandum also criticized the police response in cases involving women.
"When women go to a local police station, they are often redirected to the women's police station, even if it's far away. PCR vans arrive, but local police do not respond promptly or take action," Pattnaik added.
Social activist Abhaya Pattnayak expressed concern over the open consumption of drugs near the DCP office in Cuttack, turning these areas into hotspots for anti-social activities. "Similar scenes are visible in several open spaces across Bhubaneswar too.
This reflects a serious lapse in enforcement and sends a dangerous message about lawlessness in public spaces," he said.
Senior lawyer Jyoti Ranjan Das noted the cessation of regular meetings with local police officers, which previously addressed public safety, traffic, and crime issues. "This was suddenly stopped by the commissionerate police," he said.
Experts are calling for the immediate resumption of Amma Police Samiti meetings, strict surveillance in crime-prone areas, increased deployment for traffic regulation, and speed limits of 30 kmph in city areas.
"There should be zero tolerance for illegal gatherings and misuse of public spaces. Safe mobility is our right, especially for women and senior citizens," said Bibhudutta Khandayat Ray, a human rights activist.
Collector (Cuttack) Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said the administration would review implementation of the Safe City Project and work closely with police and local bodies to address the highlighted issues. "We have already informed the director general of police regarding the cooperation and will move further with police support," Shinde added.