Mixed reactions to ‘anti-Romeo’ drive

New Delhi: With Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s move to eliminate the anti-social elements and with the launch of an anti-Romeo squad to keep eve-teasing at bay, this newspaper spoke to the youth and denizens of the national capital to know their views on the issue. The police teams, which kickstarted their anti-Romeo drive in neighbouring cities like Meerut, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Noida from March 23, sent shivers down the spines of young boys and girls. The youth voiced their concern, saying that the police, on the name of anti-Romeo drive, was harassing the innocent lot.

While the crackdown continues on the young students in Ghaziabad with over 45 persons nabbed by the police so far, Delhiites have a mixed tone on the issue when asked whether the national capital should have its own anti-Romeo squad.

Chandani Mathur, an aspiring management student, is of the opinion that the national capital should have a check on the anti-social elements as the city has a dubious name when it comes to the safety and security of the women and children. “The city police must act against the miscreants who are on the loose in the streets and try to outrage the modesty of a woman. They should be dealt with sternly. The state government should take a cue from their neighbouring state and act accordingly,” she said.

Since the much hyped anti-Romeo drive began in Uttar Pradesh, there has been a heavy crackdown on eve teasers. The cops in Ghaziabad, who are on the hunt for the ‘road-Romeos,’ have allegedly taken action against 40 persons so far.

Ankush Rastogi, a software professional and resident of Laxmi Nagar, believes that the drive may bring down the number of eve teasing cases. “However, it’s not all. What is a worrisome factor is that the police will abuse its power and harass the innocent lot,” he rued.

According to Naina Kumar, a 26-year-old girl who works in a private firm in Delhi, if the drive is started, it will become an uphill task for youngsters and working professionals to take a stroll on the street or sit in a coffee joint or in a cafe. “How humiliating it would be if you are hanging out with your brother or distant cousin and are stopped and checked by the police, to whom you have to explain your relationship,” she said.