For Laxmi Singh, Station House Officer of Delhi’s first women’s police station at Sabzi Mandi, law takes its own course but what law enforcers can ensure is timely action and quicker justice. “The aim of a dedicated police station is to ensure a focused and specialised approach to crimes against women. We understand the urgency with which women approach us,” she said, adding that women officers bring greater sensitivity to such cases.

One month since its inauguration on June 19, the police station at Sabzi Mandi in north Delhi is preparing to file its maiden chargesheet in a case involving charges of rape and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Officials said they have largely received complaints related to marital disputes, domestic violence and dowry in the first month. So far they have registered nine FIRs - two each under POCSO and for rape and molestation, and three related to dowry. Cases earlier handled by the Crimes Against Women (CAW) cell at Sabzi Mandi have also been transferred to the station.

While complainants have welcomed the dedicated facility, many are waiting to see whether their complaints translate into timely action.

“I am satisfied with the way the police handled my case,” said Priyanka (name changed), who approached the station with a marital dispute. “They give time to your concerns. I chose the women’s police station over a regular one because I felt I would be heard,” she said, adding that counselling helped her move towards reconciliation.

Explaining the difference between the women’s police station and a CAW cell, the SHO said the latter primarily handles dowry-related cases. “But here, women can choose to register complaints instead of local police stations. Unlike regular stations where women personnel are saddled with multiple duties, officers here focus solely on women-related complaints,” she said.

Since its launch, the station has received 154 complaints, of which 23 have been disposed of. It has also taken over 298 complaints from the CAW cell, with 47 disposed of so far. Around 25 complaints were addressed during a Jan Sunwai meeting held last week.

When asked why many complaints have not resulted in FIRs, Ms. Singh said a large number of those are still under preliminary inquiry. “Most cases require counselling, but we are not fully equipped with trained counsellors. We rely on experience, but expert support is needed,” she said.

The station currently coordinates with the Delhi Commission for Women for counselling, but officers said additional support may be required given the volume of cases.

The station has a sanctioned strength of 57 personnel, but currently has about 35 to 40 staff members. “All women-related cases from the north district are being transferred here. We may need more staff to handle each case effectively,” an Assistant Sub-Inspector said.

Officers said transferring all women-related cases to the police station has both its advantages and drawbacks. “It reduces the scope for local goons to exploit their familiarity and connections in the area to influence investigations, making the process more transparent. However, since we are not always familiar with the localities, we often have to rely on the local police for assistance,” an officer said.

Some complainants, however, flagged delays and coordination issues.

Shalu (name changed), from Burari, said she was called to the station by an investigating officer who did not turn up. “I have been waiting for over an hour. I could have been informed,” she told The Hindu. She was later attended to by another officer.

Another complainant said, “I want a separation from my husband, but I am still being advised reconciliation.”

The Station House Officer acknowledged that there is “scope for improvement”. But she is hopeful of overcoming the challenges sooner than later and fulfilling public expectations.

Published - July 19, 2026 12:21 am IST