Twenty-two-year-old Aliyah (name changed) was among the many women who queued up at the city's newly inaugurated women's police station, hoping to find a resolution to her dowry harassment and domestic violence complaint.
"My complaint has been pending for the past two months and is currently at the mediation stage. It was earlier being heard at a local police station, but I was advised to approach the newly opened women's police station," she told TOI. "A fresh date has now been fixed for mediation, and I hope something comes out of it."
Community Response and Accessibility
Also waiting outside was 32-year-old mason Rajesh (name changed), who had accompanied his family to seek help for his eight-month-pregnant sister-in-law, whom he alleged has been facing harassment from her in-laws over dowry demands.
"I had earlier gone to Sarai Rohilla police station, from where I was directed here. When we went inside, the officers heard us in detail, and now we hope the matter will be resolved," he said.
Such scenes marked the second day of operations at the all-women's police station, which saw a steady stream of complainants seeking intervention in domestic and dowry-related disputes.
Facilities and Staffing
Headed by station house officer Inspector Lakshmi Singh, the 'pink' police station has been designed with accessibility in mind. Around 60% of its staff will comprise women officers to help complainants feel at ease while reporting crimes.
A dedicated play area for children has also been set up to create a more welcoming environment, especially for mothers seeking assistance. Police said the station will also cater to female students at Delhi University's North Campus, offering an approachable space to seek help and guidance.
Expanded Powers and Integration
The facility is an expansion of the district's Crime Against Women Cell. While the CAW Cell earlier handled complaints, counselling and mediation, FIRs had to be registered at the police station concerned. The new arrangement allows the women's police station to receive complaints, conduct mediation, register FIRs and carry out investigations.
Leadership and Experience
For Singh, who joined Delhi Police in 2010 after completing her BCom, this is her first posting as an SHO. She has served in the northwest district, the Police Control Room, Police Headquarters, Special Cell and Anti-Corruption Branch. Earlier this year, she was posted to the north district and was serving at the cyber police station before taking charge here.
Complementary Role and Impact
Police said the station will function alongside local police stations rather than replace them. By combining investigative powers with a gender-sensitive approach, they aim to make the process of seeking justice less intimidating for women facing domestic violence, dowry harassment, stalking and other offences. For complainants like Aliyah and Rajesh's family, the new facility brings hope.
