New Delhi — In a major move aimed at curbing harassment and ensuring the safety of women and girls in the national capital, the Delhi government has announced the formation of a ‘Decorum Squad’, modeled after Uttar Pradesh’s much-discussed ‘Anti-Romeo Squad’. This decision was made public through an official statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s initiative to protect women from harassment through the Anti-Romeo Squad has emerged as a ‘role model’ for other states. The Delhi government, taking a cue from this initiative, has decided to replicate the strategy with the creation of its own version—titled ‘Decorum Squad’—which will function similarly to its UP counterpart.
Inspired by UP’s Success in Women’s Safety Measures
UP’s Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar, highlighted that the Anti-Romeo Squad was launched as part of CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision to ensure a safe environment for women and girls. The squad, which consists of dedicated male and female police personnel stationed at every police station, actively patrols schools, colleges, marketplaces, temples, and other crowded areas. Its dual role includes spreading awareness about women’s safety and taking strict action against those involved in harassment or misbehavior.
Prashant Kumar further stated that the squad’s activities continue to be a priority in Uttar Pradesh, with consistent campaigns being run across the state. Since its inception on March 22, 2017, and up to February 5, 2025, Anti-Romeo Squad personnel have monitored over 10 million locations and checked nearly 40 million individuals for suspicious behavior.
Massive Action Against Offenders in UP
As part of these efforts, over 24,009 FIRs have been registered, resulting in action against 32,291 individuals. Additionally, nearly 150,000 individuals received warnings and were let off after counseling.
Delhi’s ‘Decorum Squad’ to Focus on Harassment Prevention
In line with the UP model, Delhi’s Decorum Squad will focus on preventing incidents of eve-teasing, harassment, and public misconduct. Officials stated that personnel in this newly formed squad will interact with women in public spaces to raise awareness about safety measures and will respond swiftly to any reported cases of misbehavior.
With this step, Delhi aims to bolster public confidence in law enforcement and provide a safer environment for women, especially in high-density areas and educational institutions. The initiative reflects a growing trend among Indian states to adopt best practices from successful safety models, with Uttar Pradesh’s approach serving as a template for effective, on-ground law enforcement.
