Women should not go out alone during Navratri: Vadodara rural police

VADODARA: Even as Gujarat is often portrayed as the safest state for women, Vadodara rural police believe that for their own safety women should not venture out alone during Navratri, especially at a time when it is celebrated at people’s doorsteps and not in big venues. Ironic it may seem, cops have emphasized precaution and safety as the main stay of the list of 11 instructions which were posted on Vadodara Rural police’s Facebook page. In the list, the 10th instruction mentions: “For safety of women during Navratri, if possible do not go out alone and if need be, dial women’s helpline 181.” Talking to TOI about the instructions, superintendent of Vadodara Rural police Dr Sudhir Desai said, “I will get it (instructions) checked. It depends on how it is interpreted, but I will get these checked and corrected.” The other instructions are to celebrate only till midnight, not gathering more than 400 people, following Covid-19 guidelines, use of mask and sanitizer, maintaining social distancing while dancing, and also if possible, visit the garba venue only if both doses of vaccines are administered. The list also advises following organizers’ instructions and contacting the police control room or nearest police station for any harassment by anti-social elements. “The instruction is quite problematic. Instead of asking women to take precaution and not go out alone, the police should ensure that there are enough cops out there so that the women revellers feel safe,” said Simran Desai, a resident of Manjalpur. Desai added that the state has a unique image in the country of women’s freedom to move safely anytime of the day and night.