Women involvement in crimes sharply increases in IITF 2007

New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) The Indian International Trade Fair this year witnessed a sharp increase in women involvement in crimes committed on its venue during 14 days.

''Eleven FIRs, including relating to thefts, one under the Arms Act and some regarding incidents of pickpocketing, were registered during the fair this year, which is a rise as compared to six lodged last year. But the Delhi Police managed to work out eight out of them. And one thing that came to notice was a sharp increase in women involvement in the crimes committed during the trade fair this year,'' Deputy Commissioner of Police (IITF) Rajeev Ranjan told a news conference on the conclusion of the IITF here today.

He said, ''Last year, only three women were found involved in crimes during the fair, but this year their involvement has increased five times as 15 of them were arrested during the fair.

More women were used in crimes as people normally do not see the fair sex with suspicion and I think that was why they were used as red herrings.'' '' A single case of woman molestation was registered and the accused was arrested immediately,'' he said, adding that '' some calls threatening explosions were also received but they all turned out to be hoax''.

''During the fair, 1450 personnel of the Delhi Police worked in three shifts to ensure it passes off peacefully. Fifty closed-circuit television and PTZ cameras were also used to monitor every movement of the people visiting the fete,'' he added.

He said 30 lakh footfalls were recorded this year and foolproof security by the Delhi Police along with the Army and the Intelligence Bureau ensured its smooth conduct.

''Next year, we will try to erect watch towers and better boundary walls with motorable roads around Pragati Maidan so that better surveillance could be maintained during the fair,'' he promised.

''We would also like to use better CCTV cameras with sharp pictures, zooming facilities and a scanning system next year as they would certainly come in handy,'' he added.

''Special emphasis was also laid on arrangements in case of stampede as a large number of people assemble in one place during the fair and there is always a strong possibility of a scattering taking place. We were prepared for those kinds of eventualities, but we are thankful no such thing happened,'' he said.

UNI