Police to help harassed women reporters of UP news network

Lucknow: After months of stalking and harassment by a serial caller, police finally came to the aid of reporters of women-run news network Khabar Lahariya in Uttar Pradesh.

In a press conference here, Khabar Lahariya editor Kavita said after orders from senior officials, police in Banda in the state's Bundelkhand region took action to trace and capture the accused.

Kavita said the action was delayed yet they appreciated police's prompt and sensitive action.

Meera, the chief of operations, said there was a need for systems of security like the 1090 helpline to be more efficient and accountable as well the as environment to report cases of harassment.

Since January this year, five members of the publication were repeatedly harassed by an unknown caller, who identified himself as Nishu.

Despite a complaint, the matter, according to Kavita, was not taken seriously and brushed off as an 'ordinary' case until orders from higher officials.

The accused, Saddam alias Nishu, was arrested on Tuesday, shortly after orders from the state government.

Uttar Pradesh Police chief Jagan Mohan Yadav said changing mindsets in local police stations was the 'challenge'.

"Many efforts are being done for women's safety, such as the 1090 helpline. The challenge is in changing mindsets in police stations in the districts," the director general of police said in a statement.

(with inputs from IANS)