Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister and Bidar district in-charge Eshwar Khandre has said that the Bidar Akka Squad, launched by the State government to prevent crimes against women and children, has already emerged as a model for the entire State.
He was speaking after flagging off a vehicle allotted to the Akka Squad at the Police Parade Grounds in Bidar on Tuesday.
The Minister said that the Akka Squad, functioning under the leadership of the Department of Women and Child Development, in coordination with police personnel, is playing a key role in ensuring the safety of women and children by conducting patrols in public places.
“The Akka Squad is acting as a vital bridge between safety and awareness in society. It is an important step towards women’s empowerment and creating a sense of security among women and children,” he said.
State advisor to the Akka Squad Shiny Pradeep Gunti said that the initiative was launched with the idea that a district can be safe only if women feel secure.
She said that the Superintendent of Police has ensured systematic implementation of the squad.
“So far, the Akka Squad has helped prevent two child marriages, shifted accident victims to hospitals and protected girls from harassment in public places. The squad will continue to work for the safety of women and children,” she said.
Addressing a gathering, Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti said that the Akka Squad has been formed as a women-led force to protect women.
“The initiative aims to provide immediate assistance, courage and confidence to women and children. The Akka Squad has now been strengthened using digital technology and has been expanded from the district level to the State level,” he said.
Additional Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Pujari, Deputy Superintendent of Police N.D. Sannidi, Circle Inspectors Vijaykumar Bhavge, Palakshayya Hiremath and K.M. Biradar, along with officials from the Women and Child Development Department, educational institutions and various schools and colleges, attended the programme.
