Hyderabad Police Issues Advisory For Women's Safety; Women Say Not Just Our Responsibility To Be Safe

With the recent rape and murder of the 26-year-old veterinary doctor, Hyderabad police have issued an advisory for women in order to keep themselves safe when in dire situations.

Advisory Issued By Police

Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat laid down the steps that should be taken by women for their safety. He stated that women should inform their families or friends about where they are travelling and also share the live location with them. About the mode of transport used, Bhagwat suggested that the driver’s details and the number plate of the vehicle should also be shared with them.

#Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar issues advisory to all women/girls.#HyderabadMurder #HyderabadHorror @kj_srivatsan pic.twitter.com/dAVSlz8N80

— News24 India (@news24tvchannel) December 2, 2019

It was suggested that for safety, women download “Hawk-Eye”, the Hyderabad police app. Women should be ready to dial 100 while in trouble.

The advisory also said, “If you are in a helpless situation, please shout and run to a crowded area. Together we work to prevent crimes. Inform local police about local bad hats.”

It added a Whatsapp number (9490617111) to send pictures for verification.

Citizens Not Happy

Social media did not welcome these steps, with many expressing outrage on Twitter. According to citizens, police should work on curbing crimes rather than asking women to keep themselves safe.

We all, out of sheer necessity, do everything that is mentioned in the advisory. But safety should not be my responsibility alone. I have a right to live in a safe environment and the responsibility for that is with the State and the society. Let's not forget

— A.L.Sharada (@ALSharada) December 2, 2019

The Hyderabad victim followed most of them. What advisory was issued to police personnel regarding nitpicking of jurisdiction ?

— vinita_nigam (@vinita_nigam) December 2, 2019

In a video that surfaced on social media, a woman says that she needs no man to safeguard her and that she can take care of herself.

This is the voice of the women of India.
"I don't want man to sareguard me. I want to say, 'you are the cause of the problem. You stay behind. Let the world be free.'"

How long can we continue ignoring her? pic.twitter.com/o0rGlq9QbS

— نتاشا Natasha (@nuts2406) December 1, 2019

The Logical Indian Take

While these guidelines may be useful for women, it is unlikely that they can curb crimes against women, which happen year-after-year without any possible solution. Little has changed since Nirbhaya, and the rising rape cases since then has normalised these heinous crimes. We have become accustomed to such news items an extent that even the most horrific of crimes soon fade away from our memories.

A case takes so long to conclude in India that witnesses are drained out and the families give up.

Simply drafting a better law and issuing advisories will not help. Government must start sensitization programmes in educational institutions. Police machinery must reform. Our criminal justice system has to improve – it has to become quicker and swifter.

Asking women to protect themselves is not enough. Safety is not a woman’s responsibility alone.

Also Read: Nirbhaya To Hyderabad Vet: No Short-Lived Outrage Will Help Bring Down Rape Culture