Every day, an average of 114 women go missing across Maharashtra. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Pink Squad stands as the first line of defence, investigating these disappearances and addressing crimes against women and children with precision and empathy.
The Pink squad handles the most complex cases after initial police reports, determining whether a woman fled voluntarily or faces danger an assessment that shapes the investigation. Beyond policing, officers also mediate runaway couple cases, balancing legal formalities with family pressures and individual rights. Each squad, comprising two male and two female officers, ensures swift intervention across Paithan, Vaijapur, Sillod, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Gramin, Gangapur, and Kannad. "Every case is unique," says a senior officer, stressing the need for sensitivity and methodical intervention. As crimes against women rise, the Pink Squad remains a steadfast guardian of justice. Ensuring women's safety is not just about solving crimes it’s about building trust and preventing them in the first place which consistently done by Pink Squad. ------( SP Vinay Kumar Rathod)
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Recent case done by Pink squad
1)A group was found harassing and blackmailing young women by morphing their photos and threatening to release them in Gramin. The victims, afraid of social stigma, hesitated to report the crime. Acting on a tip-off, the Pink Squad solved the case and arrest the accused recently .
2)The Pink Squad rescued an underage girl from a accused group in district, ensuring her safety and arresting the perpetrators in 2024.
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A lone male-in-charge officer in a female-dominated force
In a striking contrast to the squad’s predominantly female workforce, PSI Dnyeshwar Sakhale is the only male officer in the Pink Squad across Aurangabad district. Specializing in handling IPC 376 (rape) cases, his role is critical. "Most cases are resolved successfully," he states, underscoring the team’s relentless efforts in delivering justice for survivors of crime.
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Bridging the awareness gap in rural areas
While the Pink Squad operates effectively in cities, its role in rural areas is equally vital. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Gramin, Paithan, Sillod, Vaijapur, Gangapur, and Kannad, squads focus on awareness programs, educating villagers on women’s safety, domestic violence, and child exploitation. Through regular outreach efforts, officers enhance security and strengthen trust in law enforcement.
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Vaijapur’s police station struggles with shortage
Resource crunches, however, remain a pressing concern. At the Vaijapur Police Station, the Pink Squad functions with only two officers a male and a female despite the mandated requirement of two each. PSI Manisha Jagtap acknowledges the strain, stating, "Handling cases with just two officers is challenging; at times, additional support is crucial." This shortage significantly impacts case management efficiency and the squad’s ability to respond promptly.
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The pink Pathak's role in crime prevention
"Most cases handled by the Pink Squad involve women and children. Many crimes are first registered at police stations and then investigated by Pink Pathak. The biggest challenge we face is identifying voluntarily fleeing women, along with child labour and missing cases."
API Nisha Bansod (Chhatrpati Sambhajinagar Gramin)
(With Photo)