Gujarat Traffic Police Sparks Controversy With ‘Stay Home to Avoid Rape’ Posters, DCP Denies Approval

Fast Summary:

• Posters allegedly sponsored by Ahmedabad traffic police stirred controversy, urging women to avoid late-night parties and dark areas to prevent rape.
• The posters were plastered in Sola and Chandlodia areas but have as been removed.
• Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West), Neeta Desai clarified that the city traffic police did not consent to the controversial posters, which were created by Satarkta Group, an NGO.
• Ms. Desai stated the NGO had shown them only road safety-related material for collaboration but did not disclose these controversial posters beforehand.
• Opposition parties like aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized BJP-led Gujarat government over women’s safety concerns, citing statistics of rape incidents in recent years and questioning women’s freedom at night.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The controversy highlights communication pitfalls when external agencies collaborate with public institutions on awareness initiatives. While it has been clarified that this was not sanctioned by Ahmedabad traffic police, irresponsible messaging undermines broader efforts for women’s empowerment and safety campaigns across India-and can cause significant backlash against authorities involved or associated indirectly.

Additionally, criticisms raised by opposition leaders emphasize valid concerns about India’s ongoing struggle with gender-based crime prevention while pointing out systemic failures in addressing such issues effectively at the grassroots level. Whether this incident leads to more scrutiny of policies or deeper conversations about gender-sensitive public outreach remains a critical question as India grapples with societal challenges surrounding both accountability and cultural narratives regarding women’s rights.

Read more: Source