Despite high security, snatching, thefts on rise in Metro stations

If you thought the Delhi Metro was a safe commuting option for women, think again.

Rising incidents of chain and purse snatching being reported from Metro stations in Gurgaon despite a three-layer security raises serious questions on the efficiency of the police.

Several victims claim they have to run from pillar to post to get their complaints registered.

After a woman was robbed of her ATM card in a washroom at the Sikanderpur Metro station last week, she had a tough time filing a police complaint. After this incident, the police launched a helpline desk for women on all Metro stations to ensure victims are not harassed and cases can be registered easily.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Gurgaon police, however, pass the buck when it comes to fixing responsibility of the crime.

“We are concerned only about the area where passengers enter after getting past the security check. What happens before that in the station premises is the responsibility of the Gurgaon police,” said a CISF officer on duty at one of the Metro stations.

Ragini Aggarwal, a student of Delhi University, told HT, “My bag was snatched last week from Sikanderpur Metro station. I went to the police station but my complaint was not registered.”

DCP (East) Maheshwar Dayal has given directions to all PCR teams to help all victims and not be concerned about the jurisdiction area.

Though Metro stations are under CCTV surveillance, no cases have been solved in the last few months. Mohit Saini, a shopkeeper on the first floor of Sikanderpur Metro station, said snatching cases were common.