‘Anti-Romeo squads' deployed in Bareilly for women kanwariyas' safety

Time of India

10-07-2025

Dehradun: Bareilly police have deployed 'anti-Romeo squads' along the kanwar yatra route in Bareilly zone to prevent harassment of women pilgrims and enforce security ahead of the yatra, which begins on Friday.
Officials introduced several measures, including route diversions, identity checks, and deployment of women constables, in response to the rising number of female devotees undertaking the pilgrimage.
DIG (Bareilly zone) Ajay Kumar Sahani told TOI, "We're making special arrangements for women pilgrims. Arrangements for separate toilets and resting facilities are being made. Additionally, we have also deployed the dedicated women constables to particularly focus on the women under the Mission Shakti initiative.
Along with it, anti-Romeo squads have been activated to keep strict vigilance. They are asked to take strict action if any woman faces any criminal activity.
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The yatra has seen a rise in participation from women in recent years. In response, Uttar Pradesh Police have introduced targeted security arrangements under Mission Shakti, a state initiative aimed at safeguarding women in public spaces.
Sahani said, "These arrangements have been made considering the increase in the number of women pilgrims in past years.
We have distributed Bareilly, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, and Pilibhit into eight super-zones, 26 zones, 78 sectors, and 218 sub-sectors and have deployed almost 6,000 police officials. All camps should install CCTV cameras for better surveillance."
He said all kanwariyas must carry valid ID cards and revealed that individuals with prior criminal records had already been served notices to prevent any disruptions along the route.
Police have ordered DJs not to play provocative or controversial music. "We have also strictly ordered the DJ operators not to play controversial music that would hurt someone's sentiments. If any such thing is done, we will lodge an FIR against the accused," Sahani added.
The state govt has also banned the sale of meat and alcohol along the kanwar route and directed heavy vehicles to take alternate roads as part of a route diversion plan. In addition, each camp is required to install CCTV cameras, and women help desks have been established for immediate support in case of emergencies.