Will UP's 'Anti-Romeo' model work in Bihar? Samrat Choudhary's first big move as home minister

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who assumed charge as home minister of the state on Tuesday, said he would form anti-Romeo squads to prevent eve-teasing of women, especially girl students. Choudhary is the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead the home department in the state. 

Choudhary police personnel will be specially deployed near schools and colleges to prevent eve-teasing of female students. "We will deploy 'anti-Romeo squads' near schools and colleges on the lines of 'pink patrolling' so that no one eve teases or harasses our sisters and daughters. Special forces will be on watch during vacations as well," Choudhary said.

The BJP-JD(U)-led National Democratic Alliance won the Bihar polls with a huge margin. The new Nitish Kumar-led government assumed charge on November 20. Kumar, who has served as chief minister of the state for nearly two decades, also held the home portfolio. 

The new home minister added that there will be "zero tolerance" against crime. He said the state police have so far identified 400 mafia gangs, and their properties will be seized as per court orders. "In accordance with court orders, bulldozers will be run over the houses of the criminals," he said.

Choudhary added that strict vigilance will be maintained in jails, and prisoners will not be allowed access to mobile phones. He added cybercrimes will be monitored, and those hurling abuses over social media or making objectionable comments will face appropriate legal action. 

"Nitish Kumar has consistently worked towards improving the law-and-order situation in Bihar. We will strive to strengthen it further," the new home minister said.