Ranchi Residents Rally for Enhanced Safety Measures After Disturbing Crimes
In the wake of two alarming incidents in Ranchi, residents, particularly women, are raising their voices to demand improved safety protocols across the city. The recent rape of a 26-year-old dentist at a birthday party and the alleged molestation of a 3-year-old child by a school van driver have sparked widespread concern and calls for immediate action from local authorities.
Public Outcry for Infrastructure and Policing Improvements
Citizens are urging the installation of sufficient CCTV cameras and streetlights in dark areas, coupled with prompt policing to curb crimes, especially those targeting women. Several women have come forward to share their distressing experiences of harassment and abuse in public spaces, emphasizing the need for concrete measures such as increased police patrolling to ensure their safety.
Rupali Munda, a working professional, highlighted the daily challenges faced by women. "It is very tough for a woman to spend a day without encountering some unpleasant incident," she stated. "Harassment on city streets and unwanted touch on public transport vehicles have become a daily ordeal. In a 32-seater bus, at least 50 people are travelling; most of them are standing. I often experience unwanted touch on buses, putting me in a dilemma whether it was accidental or intentional."
She advocated for buses to have security personnel or CCTV cameras installed to deter misconduct. Similarly, Sadhna, a college student from the Doranda area, reported frequent harassment by groups of men, particularly in poorly lit zones. "Authorities must ensure that all lanes and bylanes in the city are illuminated with adequate lighting and equipped with CCTV cameras so that women feel safe to move even during odd hours," she added.
Municipal Corporation's Response and Initiatives
Ranjhi Municipal Corporation (RMC) mayor Roshni Khalkho expressed her concern over crimes against women and outlined upcoming initiatives. "To ensure women’s safety in public spaces, RMC is soon going to launch an adequate number of buses to ensure that no one has to travel standing. Also, there will be new fleets of buses especially for women and the disabled to ensure their safety," she said.
In a recent corporation meeting, additional measures were sanctioned, including 50 street lights per ward across all 53 wards, supplementing existing infrastructure to keep all lanes and bylanes well-illuminated. These steps aim to address the core issues raised by residents and foster a safer environment for everyone in Ranchi.
