Raipur (Chhattisgarh): During the Coronavirus pandemic, when citizens were locked up in their homes and were trying to protect themselves from the risk of infection, Manjulata Rathore, the Station House Officer of the Mahila Thana (women's police station) in Raipur fearlessly carried out her responsibility and played a key role in maintaining law and order.
In a special conversation with ETV Bharat, Rathore appealed to women to come forward and report about incidents without fear to help the police put a stop on crimes against them.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q - How did you work during the lockdown?
"I tried my best to perform the duty that was assigned to me. I went to every street and by-lanes and explained to people the importance of following lockdown protocols. During patrolling, people were also advised to stay in the houses. I spent most of the time on the field."
Q - How did you protect yourself from the risk of disease?
"I followed the Coronavirus guidelines and carried out my duty by being cautious. I made sure that I had masks and ensured sanitisation and social distancing."
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Q - How did you choose the profession?
"I completed my M.Sc in Chemistry, following which I did B.Ed and obtained a degree in Law. During this time, I appeared for an examination for a police job and was selected in it. I had not thought about this job before, but when I started working in the field I made sure that I discharge my responsibilities well."
Q - How do you help women victims?
"I try to make them feel at home when they come to the police station, so that they can talk about their problems freely. We try to solve their problems, and later counselling is done."
Q - What steps should be taken to prevent crimes against women?
"Drugs are the biggest cause of crime. People commit crime due to intoxication, their counselling is necessary. So that they can stop themselves from committing the crime. Respect for women is very important."
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Q - How did you take care of your responsibility during the Coronavirus crisis?
"There is no difference between men and women. As men performed their duties, so did the women workers. Women have done well both at the field as well as at home."
Q - What message would you like to give to other women?
"Women and children should study well and discharge their duties efficiently. Never be limited to 'I, Me, and Myself'. If there is any problem, she must go to the police station without hesitation and get the complaint registered. They must also learn to protect themselves.
