Staff Reporter :
The Police Cyber Support for Women, a special cell formed on November 16 to contain the rising trend of online harassment against women, has resolved 249 complaints within three days of its launch.
Assistant Inspector General (Media and Public Relations) of the Police Headquarters, Md Sohel Rana on Thursday said the unit had received 956 complaints since the page was launched – 331 on 17 November, 360 on 18
November and 265 on 19 november. The complaints submitted by female victims include allegations of cyberbullying, blackmailing, pornography, misuse and hacking of Facebook IDs, and online threats, Sohel Rana, Assistant Inspector General of Police, told The New Nation.
The police have contacted 101 complainants for additional information, paving the way for further investigation.
During this period, the special cell has already been able to settle 249 complaints, which is around 25 percent of the total received ones, he said.
Sohel Rana said for these types of complaints, the cell, composed solely of female officials, has already prepared some templates on how to keep social media accounts secure or report against fake accounts.
In the last 72 hours, over hundred complaints are being handled at the “follow up desk” and complainers have been contacted for some relevant information to investigate into those allegations. These complaints will be disposed of upon receiving further information from them, said desk officials.
The remaining 606 complaints have been registered as “complaints for investigation” and necessary legal action will be taken after probe, according to a statement issued by the PHQ.
An officer of the desk said they work round the clock in shifts. “We are getting most of the complaints through Facebook. In the last three days, we have also received around 350 calls,” said the officer.
The official further said they often need to provide counseling to complainants.
On Tuesday night, a person called and started crying. “She was badly shaken up and said she was a victim of cyber bullying.”
“We assured her that we are beside her and there’s nothing to worry about. We took the details and communicated with the local police station to provide her legal support. We are trying to solve the issues as early as possible… If any investigation is needed, it may need a week or two to resolve the matter.”
Presently, two assistant superintendents of police are leading the cell’s activities. Stationed at the PHQ, under the supervision of the Lawful Interception Cell, the wing has 12 full-time personnel.
On 16 November, Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed ceremonially launched the Police Cyber Support for Women unit at the Rajarbagh Police Lines Auditorium.
The Police Cyber Support for Women, a special cell formed on November 16 to contain the rising trend of online harassment against women, has resolved 249 complaints within three days of its launch.
Assistant Inspector General (Media and Public Relations) of the Police Headquarters, Md Sohel Rana on Thursday said the unit had received 956 complaints since the page was launched – 331 on 17 November, 360 on 18
November and 265 on 19 november. The complaints submitted by female victims include allegations of cyberbullying, blackmailing, pornography, misuse and hacking of Facebook IDs, and online threats, Sohel Rana, Assistant Inspector General of Police, told The New Nation.
The police have contacted 101 complainants for additional information, paving the way for further investigation.
During this period, the special cell has already been able to settle 249 complaints, which is around 25 percent of the total received ones, he said.
Sohel Rana said for these types of complaints, the cell, composed solely of female officials, has already prepared some templates on how to keep social media accounts secure or report against fake accounts.
In the last 72 hours, over hundred complaints are being handled at the “follow up desk” and complainers have been contacted for some relevant information to investigate into those allegations. These complaints will be disposed of upon receiving further information from them, said desk officials.
The remaining 606 complaints have been registered as “complaints for investigation” and necessary legal action will be taken after probe, according to a statement issued by the PHQ.
An officer of the desk said they work round the clock in shifts. “We are getting most of the complaints through Facebook. In the last three days, we have also received around 350 calls,” said the officer.
The official further said they often need to provide counseling to complainants.
On Tuesday night, a person called and started crying. “She was badly shaken up and said she was a victim of cyber bullying.”
“We assured her that we are beside her and there’s nothing to worry about. We took the details and communicated with the local police station to provide her legal support. We are trying to solve the issues as early as possible… If any investigation is needed, it may need a week or two to resolve the matter.”
Presently, two assistant superintendents of police are leading the cell’s activities. Stationed at the PHQ, under the supervision of the Lawful Interception Cell, the wing has 12 full-time personnel.
On 16 November, Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed ceremonially launched the Police Cyber Support for Women unit at the Rajarbagh Police Lines Auditorium.
