A squad of Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD), under the first phase of the 10-day long campaign on public transportation safety, travelled in various public vehicles in civil dress and arrested 105 people from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts.Police arrested pickpockets and those involved in molesting and harassing girls and women, and the vehicles that failed to implement seat designations. Among the arrested are also those who were found using fake student identity cards to claim discount on transport fare. Out of the total arrested, police have filed case against 21 people under Public Offense Act.
Chief of the MPCD Sarbendra Khanal said the campaign aimed at protecting the right of the people to travel safely and to streamline public transport.
"We receive massive complains about uncouth activities by drivers and male passengers in public vehicles. Through this campaign we also aim to protect the fundamental rights of women using public vehicles and streets," said Khanal.
Stating that they are trying to give a message to public that any kind of social crime is not acceptable, he said "Police will act more fiercely against such behavior and activities in coming days."
Under the second phase of the 10-day long campaign the MPCD plans to send its police officers to the public vehicles, in coordination of drivers, to arrest people who are involved in pick pocketing, harassing to women and girls, using fake student's identity cards and behaving uncivilized way after getting drunk.
The police on duty will have special identity card to travel in any public vehicles plying in the valley. The major areas of working will be bus park in Gongabu and other major bus stations.
The Crime Division even plans to hold discussion among members of the public, transport entrepreneurs and civil societies at different places like Lagankhel, Kalanki, Sundhara, New buspark, Old buspark, Chabahil, Maharajgunj, Gaushala and Balkhu.
Civil society groups working for women and transport entrepreneurs among others have joined hands with MPCD in the campaign.
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