UP 'anti-Romeo squads' to get more teeth

The Uttar Pradesh Police has decided to strengthen its 'anti-Romeo squads' to protect women from stalkers and eve-teasers, official sources said.

Dressed in plain clothes, the sleuths -- both men and women -- would be deployed at public places like colleges, shopping malls, markets, parks, bus stands, stations and even schools, Director General of Police office sources said here.

As part of its efforts to strengthen the squads, the personnel deployed would also be provided with wardrobe-mounted cameras to ensure that no one slips from the hands of the police.

The 'anti-Romeo squads' was formed soon after Yogi Adityanath assumed office of chief minister in Uttar Pradesh, thereby fulfilling the BJP's election promise to 'protect the honour of women' once the party comes to power.

Since the squad was constituted after formation of the Adityanath government last year, as many as 34,49,646 persons were checked till July 12. Besides, 2,481 FIRs were lodged and action was taken against 4,392 persons, the sources said.

Besides, 15,69,145 persons have been warned, they said.