Cubridamente en la basura: Cómo las mujeres policías de Gujarat están atentas a los problemas

During Navratri celebrations in Gujarat, women police officers are working undercover at garba events to ensure safety and prevent crime. Inspector Chandrika Aasundra, head of Vadodara’s anti-human trafficking unit, participates in these events disguised in traditional attire. Aasundra is part of the SHE team, a specialized unit within Gujarat Police focused on protecting women, children, and senior citizens. For the past two years, she has been attending garba venues under cover, blending in with the crowd while maintaining vigilance. Navratri sees massive gatherings at garba events, often held on the outskirts of cities. Gujarat Police deploy thousands of personnel during the nine-night festival, with a notable increase in female officers due to a 33 percent reservation policy introduced in 2014. Sub-Inspector Hetal Jadeja, who has been on duty at garba venues since 2022, leads her own team. She notes that undercover policing allows officers to engage more effectively with crowds, as people are less likely to recognize them in civilian clothes. Ahmedabad hosts numerous garba events, both commercial and community-based. With over 14,000 police personnel and Home Guards on duty, the SHE teams visit multiple venues each night. These teams operate for extended periods, sometimes until early morning, given the popularity and duration of some events. Women officers face additional challenges such as language barriers and generational differences. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himala Joshi emphasizes the importance of communication in multiple languages, including English and Hindi, to better serve diverse populations. Efforts are being made to bridge the gap between younger generations and law enforcement. A separate incident occurred at the 'Rang Morla ft Aditya Gadhvi' event, where non-Hindus were reportedly asked to leave. The singer involved responded to the situation, though specific details of his reaction were not provided. This incident highlights ongoing discussions about inclusivity and cultural sensitivity during festivals.