The Kozhikode City Women's Police Station, Asia's first all-women police station, is in desperate need of upgrades. The station was launched with much ceremony in 1973 by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and it has long been hailed as a source of pride for women's empowerment. Even after nearly 50 years, the station still lacks a fixed dining table for cops.
Officers at the station face difficulties as there are no sufficient number of changing rooms and not even a proper drinking water facility. “The facilities available at the station are minimal,” said a civil police officer, who requested anonymity. “There are 33 officers working at the station.
"We only have a small changing room and no resting area, aside from the offices of the sub-inspector and assistant sub-inspector. At any given time, we have around 20 officers at the station, and they must eat their lunch on two benches.
There is no linked washroom in the visitors' room. The washroom, which is located outside the building, is difficult to reach for elderly people." Town, Kasaba, Chemmangad, Nadakkavu, Panniyankara, Meenchantha, and Medical College are all under the authority of the Women's Police Station. Behind the mask of women's empowerment, however, there is a story of neglect and a lack of resources.
"We don't have an investigative room," added another officer, who also sought anonymity.
Documents are stored in a small, gloomy area. Due to a lack of space, weapons and ammo are also packed here. Women and girls who are taken into protective custody must stay at the station before being moved to shelter houses, where they are forced to sleep on the floor on mats. We occasionally give them our bedsheets." In response to the situation, City Police Commissioner A Akbar told TNIE that he was ignorant of the station's severe lack of amenities and promised to take action.
Numbers to call for assistance
Women might walk into the station at any time of day or night, according to Station House Officer Seeta V. 9995399953 and 9833312222 are the station's helplines. Two female cops and a driver will be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist women in need. This month, the station got 98 complaints, according to Assistant Sub-Inspector Rejitha P K.
“In 2021, we got 264 general petitions and 68 petitions under Aparajita redressal mechanism. Aparajitha is a swift response mechanism for women and girls and has recorded 18 cases so far. We try to settle complaints so that they are not registered as cases. We discuss, try to get to the root of the matter and refer parties to the Vanitha Cell for counselling,” she said. Most of the cases were related to dowry and assault, she added.
The station's requirements
A distinct escort wing, similar to the other stations that get extra escort personnel from men's battalions.
A place to relax and have lunch.
A cafeteria or, at the very least, a water fountain.
People visiting the police station will have access to a variety of amenities.
Better current technology training and possibilities to advance and take on larger responsibility than escort tasks.
