Agra Police Introduces Help Boxes in Schools & Colleges to Prevent Women Harassment

By: WE staff | Wednesday, 26 February 2025

• Agra Police introduces 'help box' system in schools and colleges to address crimes against women students.
• Initiative launched on Tuesday following a harassment incident at BD Jain Inter College.

In a bid to tackle crimes against women students, the Agra police launched a 'help box' system in schools and colleges across the city on Tuesday. This initiative comes in response to an incident last Thursday, when two female students from BD Jain Inter College reported harassment outside the campus.

DCP (City) Suraj Rai stated that the 'help box' system will be introduced in all educational institutions in Agra, allowing students to file grievances anonymously. "A team from the local police station will regularly check these boxes, and necessary action will be taken based on the complaints. Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of women and female students," DCP Suraj added.

On February 20, two students from BD Jain Inter College reported harassment and assault by three individuals outside the campus. An FIR was filed against the accused under Section 296 of the BNS (regarding obscene acts and songs in public places), and the three perpetrators were arrested.

Agra-based child rights activist Naresh Paras spoke on the initiative, suggesting, "A monitoring committee should be formed to address the complaints received in these ‘help boxes’. This committee should include college spokespersons, teacher representatives, education department officials, women police officers, and child rights activists/experts. The complaint boxes should only be accessed in their presence. Furthermore, students must be assured of confidentiality regarding their identities to encourage reporting and reduce cases of child abuse."