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Teasers sending vulgar texts and tormenting girls over phone will find it difficult to remain hidden as the Women’s Helpline is planning to publish their numbers and identities in newspapers.
An increase in the number of complaints has prompted the Women’s Helpline officials to come up with this initiative. They would also lodge complaints against the teasers at the police station concerned.
Officials at the helpline said earlier they used to get around four to five complaints of girls being teased over phone or getting vulgar messages. Complaints would be lodged against the teasers. The number has suddenly risen to 25 to 30 every month.
“So, we have decided to publish the number, the name of the person using it and his address in newspapers to create pressure on them,” said Pramila Kumari, project co-ordinator, Women’s Helpline. “It would put social pressure on them.”
Another official said it was essential to create social pressure on the teasers, as they were often unafraid of the legal consequences of their actions.
“People who indulge in such activities do not fear legal consequences. So, we have decided to create social pressure on them,” said Sarita Sajal, a counsellor at the helpline.
According to Criminal Law (Amended) Act 2013 , if a person disturbs a woman he can be booked for stalking. If convicted, the accused can be jailed for one to three years and shall also be liable to pay a fine.
But what if the teaser uses someone else’s phone to indulge in such activities?
“When we publish the number, its owner would get to know that his cellphone is being used for such activities. He would keep a tab on his cellphone and the culprit would be caught,” said Sajal.
Girls, who are often targets of telephone teasers, were very happy with the initiative. “I am fed up with getting blank calls from a particular number on my cellphone. I don’t know how the caller got my number but it is really very irritating. I shall consult the helpline and see to it that the person is taught a lesson,” said Nisha Dubey, 24.
