Reach out to cops if you’re targetted by voyeurs

Representational images

Peeping Toms have a new weapon - mobile phone cameras. These have been used for voyeuristic purposes like filming women, in their private space, and then, at times for blackmail too. Those making these films threaten their victims with going public, unless they comply with favours or demands for money.

Three men, who are being probed for allegedly recording videos of women through windows and gaps in walls, have been slapped with the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The police have identified 10 women and a minor from clips found in possession of the accused, and stated the number of victims could be higher.

These incidents happened two years ago, but came to light recently. The police are asking women to come forward in case they have been threatened by any of the accused. The scale of this crime points to a massive racket, so it is important to round up others who may have been in the plot along with the trio that has been nabbed by the police.

Cops have asked women to come forward and complain if they have faced extortion calls or been threatened. None have come forward so far. If this has happened, women must respond to the request to approach the police.

The cops should be able to instil a sense of confidence in these women. They have to also reassure families of the women who may have been targeted, so that women are not stopped from complaining, because of the ‘shame' it will bring to the family.

Vitally, though, the police force has to ensure that women will be secure if they do complain and action is taken after investigating. They have to see that revenge is not taken on these complainants as that is the no. 1 cause why victims do not approach the cops. Close the trust deficit, not just in this case but other crimes too.