Now, Operation Majnu stings Meerut numb

MEERUT: It was the success of two stings in the last two weeks - Operation Duryodhan and Operation Chakravyuh - that had the Meerut police thirsting for action.

Until Monday the force had come in for praise from citizens for its stern action in the wake of growing complaints of eve-teasing and molestation in the town.

Then someone had this bright idea of launching a well-publicised operation — aptly named Majnu – with TV channels in attendance.

That was when things went horribly wrong. Excited by the presence of camera crews, two female police officers conducting the ‘operation’ went over the top and began roughing up couples lazing around Gandhi Park, slapping them, dragging them by the hair, and showering invective. “They did not even bother to ask if the couples were married,” said a gardener.

It was not long before angry reactions poured in, not just from the town but from across the country. The National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women sat up and took note. And by Wednesday evening, heads had begun to roll. An additional superintendent of police and the circle officer of the area were suspended and a complaint was filed against 13 police personnel. Meanwhile, one couple, shamed by all the publicity, went missing.