Woman police officer leads crackdown on eve-teasers, builds confidence among victims and helps vulnerable children
Moradabad, October 2026 : As the district celebrates Navratri and devotees worship Goddess Durga in temples and pandals, another embodiment of strength is visible on streets, in markets, at intersections and in village squares: women police personnel standing guard in their khaki uniforms.
At the forefront of this effort is Sub-Inspector Samiksha Thakur, in-charge of the Mission Shakti Cell in Moradabad. She believes women are not meant to be confined to their homes or limited to jobs considered safe. By wearing the police uniform, they can also become a shield for every girl and woman. Guided by this conviction, Thakur works tirelessly to ensure that women feel safe and empowered.
From a Village Doorstep to the Khaki Uniform
Strength and determination define Thakur’s journey. Hailing from Panchi village in the Sarurpur Khurd police station area of Meerut district, she pursued her dream of education and a career at a time when opportunities for girls in rural communities were limited.
She witnessed how many women, out of fear and concern for social reputation, silently endured harassment and abuse rather than report their suffering. This deeply affected her and became a source of motivation.
Thakur joined the police service on June 30, 2019, completed her training and resolved to become a voice for victims, helping them overcome hesitation and fear. Today, she serves as an inspiration to girls from rural backgrounds who aspire to pursue their dreams.
Village Meetings Help Break the Silence
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Mission Shakti Phase 5.0 initiative, Thakur and her police team organise Bahu-Beti Sammelans (meetings for women and girls) and village outreach programmes every Sunday, following a designated schedule across villages and towns.
Rural women who were once reluctant to visit police stations are increasingly beginning to regard women police officers as allies and sources of support.
Complaint boxes have been installed in schools and colleges, while women beat officers share their mobile numbers with female students so that they can report incidents, including confidential complaints, without fear of having their identities disclosed.
CCTV cameras at sensitive locations and regular patrolling by Police Response Vehicles (PRVs) are also being used to strengthen security.
Zero Tolerance for Eve-Teasing
Thakur says Anti-Romeo Squads and Mission Shakti centres are operational across all 20 police stations in the district.
Special checking drives are conducted around schools and colleges during opening and closing hours, near coaching institutes and in crowded marketplaces to deter harassment and ensure women's safety.
Recently, following complaints from women in the Das Sarai police outpost area under the Katghar police station, a team led by Woman Sub-Inspector Sonam Puniya arrested a man accused of making obscene remarks at young women walking along the road. He was subsequently sent to jail.
Women's safety teams have also registered several cases against individuals accused of harassing women and girls.
Compassion Alongside Firm Policing
The khaki uniform represents not only discipline and strict enforcement but also compassion, as demonstrated by several initiatives undertaken by women police personnel.
Thakur recounts how Woman Sub-Inspector Sunita and her Mission Shakti team at the Mundhapande police station helped secure a better future for the three young children of a woman who is currently in jail.
The team arranged their school admissions, paid their fees for an entire year and purchased school uniforms, notebooks and textbooks.
In another case, a team led by Woman Inspector Usha Malik traced three children who had gone missing from the Civil Lines area by examining CCTV footage and safely reunited them with their families.
Similarly, a team led by Sub-Inspector Chandraprabha Gautam found a three-year-old child who had gone missing in the Kotwali area within an hour and returned the child to the family.
Mission Shakti Centres Support Victims
Mission Shakti centres arrange counselling by specialists for women and girls who have suffered abuse in cases involving the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The initiative aims to help victims recover from psychological trauma, ensure that they receive medical examinations and address financial barriers to continuing their education. Arrangements are also made for fee waivers where necessary.
In recognition of her dedication, Thakur has received certificates of appreciation at Republic Day celebrations and from several social organisations and senior police officials.
Greater Responsibility Builds Confidence
Thakur says policing was once widely regarded as a responsibility primarily meant for men. However, assigning women police personnel greater responsibility across beats, intersections and sensitive locations has significantly strengthened their confidence.
Her message during Navratri is clear: every girl and woman should be able to pursue her dreams without fear. The police under the Yogi Adityanath government, she says, remain on duty around the clock to provide women with security and support.
For Thakur, the assurance she offers women and girls captures the spirit of her mission: “I am on duty, you are safe.”
