Pink Patrol in Darjeeling
In response to growing concerns over women’s safety following a tragic incident at RG Kar Hospital, the West Bengal government has launched the “Pink Patrol,” an all-women police mobile squad in Darjeeling
At a time when protests are erupting across Bengal over the tragic rape and murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Hospital, the West Bengal government has made a timely move. In a bid to ensure the safety and security of women, an all-women police mobile patrolling squad—affectionately dubbed the “Pink Patrol”—was flagged off from the Dali Police Line, Darjeeling today.
Now, before we get ahead of ourselves and imagine a fleet of pink-clad officers speeding through the streets on a mission to rid the world of wrongdoers, let’s take a closer look at this initiative. The “Pink Patrol Van,” while possibly not as glamorous as it sounds, is certainly a step in the right direction. It’s all part of a broader safety measure rolled out by the State government, addressing the growing concerns for women’s safety.
The North Bengal Inspector General (IG), Rajesh Kumar Yadav, explained the concept behind the pink patrol: “The mobile van unit will consist entirely of female police personnel and is aimed at safeguarding the womenfolk.” Yes, you read that right – ‘womenfolk.’ It almost feels like we’re back in the 19th century with that one, but we’ll let it slide for now. The primary focus of these patrols will be areas notorious for complaints of harassment—women’s colleges, hostels, and places where eve-teasing (a bizarrely polite term for what’s essentially harassment) tends to rear its ugly head.
Yadav also mentioned that this is no one-off stunt. Similar pink patrols are already hitting the streets in Cooch Behar and Kalimpong, and the plan is to expand the initiative phase by phase. It’s all very strategic—no rush, no fuss—just the slow, steady rollout of safety. “We’ll take similar initiatives in rural areas in the coming days,” Yadav reassured, though I suspect the rural folk are still waiting with bated breath.
In addition to the pink patrol, the police are upping their game by installing CCTV cameras in various locations. Hospitals, which have become rather perilous places for women, are getting extra security, which sounds rather like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted, but it’s better than nothing.
While the sight of a bright pink van may not immediately strike fear into the hearts of the ne’er-do-wells of Bengal, it’s a symbol of something more. It’s a sign that the powers that be are listening (albeit slowly), and at least they’re doing something. It might not be the quick-fix solution to all of society’s ills, but with a bit of luck and perhaps a tad more speed, this pink patrol could make a real difference.
In the meantime, let’s hope that this isn’t just a flashy PR move and that the government’s commitment to women’s safety is, dare I say, a permanent fixture. Because let’s face it, Bengal’s women deserve a lot more than just a pink van rolling through the streets. But hey, Darjeeling was always safe, was it not?
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