Pune: In an effort to enhance women’s safety and prevent crimes against women, the Home Department has recently introduced two new helpline numbers that promise immediate police assistance for women in distress.

These numbers are crucial for ensuring swift police intervention in emergencies, and the authorities are keen to spread awareness about them among the public.

In Wakad, the Damini Squad has devised an innovative way to promote these helpline numbers. Two women constables, Poonam Baravkar and Pushpanjali Sawant, have been actively raising awareness by taking to the streets, holding large signboards displaying the helpline numbers prominently.

Their goal is to ensure these numbers reach as many citizens as possible, particularly women, schoolchildren, college students, and parents, to ensure quick help in times of need.

This unique initiative, launched under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Nivrutti Kolhatkar from Wakad Police Station, has been well-received by the public.

The duo has been spotted in various prominent locations, including major intersections, parks, school and college premises, as well as high-traffic areas such as Datt Temple, Phoenix Mall, and Dange Chowk.

The Damini Squad’s on-ground efforts focus on ensuring that women and young girls are aware of the new helpline numbers, empowering them to reach out for help in any distressing situation.

By being visibly present in public spaces, the police constables are making these essential numbers more accessible, helping bridge the gap between the public and the police, particularly in urgent situations concerning women’s safety.

The Wakad Police Station has undertaken this proactive step as part of the broader initiative by the government to strengthen the safety net for women across the state, especially in areas that have a higher footfall of women and girls, such as educational institutions, malls, and busy intersections.