It was their first major assignment outside armoured vehicles in which quick reaction teams (QRTs) are stationed. Earlier, they were posted during the festive season six months ago, just after being inducted into the force.
Some 46 women cops, who had earlier undergone special training and are now part of the Kolkata Police combat force, took up positions in Metiabruz Garden Reach, Park Circus, Tiljala and Topsia on Wednesday to help local cops enforce the lockdown. Their duty is to also ensure residents of these Covid containment zones don’t step out of their homes.
Officers at Lalbazar said the women in special gear were deployed in these localities for two reasons. First, to reach out to women and understand their issues and ask their family members not to step out of their homes. Second, use their formidable presence in battle gear to drive back people who defy the rules.
The combat cops reported to the ACPs around 1pm on Wednesday, who under the instructions of the area DCPs, took them on area domination rounds.
“The deployment of women officers will also help them display their skill set and send a message that everyone in the force is ready to fight Covid,” said a deputy commissioner from a division concerned with the deployment. Debasmita Das, who heads the south-east-division was in charge of deploying the commandos in her area.
Sources said some members of the team are also stationed at Lalbazar to be used in case of an emergency.
The women had earlier undergone two months training, which included rappelling, swimming, unarmed combat, traversing and slithering. Effective training, included martial arts and adventure training. They were also trained in handling specialized weapons like glock pistols and sub-machine guns.
Source: Times of India
