Hyderabad: Controlling the drug menace is key to improving women’s safety in the state, said chief minister A Revanth Reddy, directing officials to act tough with those caught in drug-related cases — even if they are celebrities or influential people.“About 80% of crime against women occurs because of people who abuse drugs or are intoxicated,” the CM said, reiterating the need to curb the menace. He was speaking at the launch of Hyderabad police’s Spandana Teams, an all-women group of first responders for women and children in distress.Alluding to the Moinabad farmhouse case, the CM said that celebrities indulging in drug abuse must be exposed and punished. “That will send a strong message out to the public. It will be more effective than nabbing 1,000 people from ordinary backgrounds. The public will realise that no one will be spared in a drug abuse case, and it will create fear among them. They will also become more responsible,” Revanth said.Along with the SHE Teams, he said the govt had taken up campaigns such as ‘Stand With Her’ to encourage men not to be mere bystanders when they find a woman in distress. “Spandana Teams is another step towards strengthening women’s safety,” CM said.Earlier, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar said that Spandana Teams will immediately reach out to women in distress who call Dial-100 or 112. “They will be equipped with a car, tab, baton and other equipment to deal with the situation. An FIR will be filed on the spot. They can also shift a woman to safety or a hospital,” Sajjanar said. Minister for panchayat raj Seethakka advocated for the need to teach students about the punishment for misbehaving with women, as part of their curriculum.
