HOLIGANISM IN UTTAR PRADESH AND IT'S SOLUTION ? BY Bulu

Hooliganism, also known as "Gundagardi" in Hindi, has been a persistent problem in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh since the 1990s. It refers to the use of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness by individuals or groups to further their interests or agenda.

Several factors have contributed to the rise of hooliganism in Uttar Pradesh, including political patronage, caste-based identity politics, and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Many of these hooligans have been associated with political parties and have been used as foot soldiers by politicians to intimidate opponents and win elections.

In recent years, the Uttar Pradesh police have launched several encounters against hooligans and criminals to curb their activities. These encounters involve police officers confronting criminals and exchanging fire, resulting in the killing or arrest of the suspects.

While encounters have been effective in reducing crime in some areas, they have also been controversial, with allegations of extrajudicial killings and violations of human rights. Some critics argue that encounters are being used to target specific communities and castes, rather than addressing the root causes of crime and lawlessness.

The Uttar Pradesh government has defended the encounters as necessary to maintain law and order and to protect citizens from criminal elements. However, there is a need for a balanced approach that addresses the root causes of hooliganism and criminality, while respecting the rule of law and human rights .

Uttar Pradesh, like any other state in India, has had its fair share of crime over the past decade. Some of the topmost crimes in Uttar Pradesh in the last 10 years include:

1. Murder: Murder has been one of the most prevalent crimes in Uttar Pradesh over the past decade. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest number of murder cases in India in 2020.

2. Rape: Rape and sexual assault have been a major concern in Uttar Pradesh, with several high-profile cases reported in recent years. The state has been working to improve the safety and security of women through various initiatives, including setting up women's help desks and fast-track courts for rape cases.

3. Robbery: Robbery, burglary, and theft have also been common crimes in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in urban areas. The state police have been working to improve surveillance and increase patrols in vulnerable areas to curb such crimes.

4. Kidnapping and abduction: Uttar Pradesh has witnessed several cases of kidnapping and abduction in the past decade, with children and women being the most vulnerable. The state police have launched several initiatives to track missing persons and improve coordination with other states and agencies.

5. Cybercrime: With the growth of technology and the internet, cybercrime has become a major concern in Uttar Pradesh, with cases of online fraud, hacking, and phishing reported in the state. The state police have been working to strengthen their cybercrime capabilities and educate citizens about safe online practices.

Overall, Uttar Pradesh has been taking steps to improve law and order and reduce crime in the state, with the implementation of various initiatives and reforms.

1. Unnao rape case (2017-2018): A minor girl was allegedly raped by a BJP MLA in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh in 2017. The case gained national attention in 2018 when the victim attempted self-immolation outside the chief minister's residence, and her father died in police custody. The MLA was later arrested, and the case is ongoing.

2. Hathras gangrape case (2020): A 19-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped by four upper-caste men in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh in September 2020. The victim later succumbed to her injuries, and the case sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.

3. Bulandshahr gangrape case (2016): A family was allegedly gang-raped by a group of armed men on a highway in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh in 2016. The case gained national attention and led to a debate on the safety of women in the state.

4. Nithari serial killings (2005-2006): The Nithari serial killings were a series of murders and rapes of young girls in Nithari village of Noida district in Uttar Pradesh between 2005 and 2006. The case led to the arrest and conviction of businessman Moninder Singh Pandher and his domestic help Surinder Koli.

5. Badaun gangrape case (2014): Two teenage girls were allegedly gang-raped and murdered in Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh in 2014. The case gained national attention, and there were allegations of police negligence and cover-up.

These cases highlight the need for a more robust justice system and a greater emphasis on women's safety and security in Uttar Pradesh.

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented various measures to control crime and rape in the state. Some of the key initiatives and strategies include:

1. Strengthening the police force: The government has increased the strength of the police force and improved their training and equipment to improve law and order in the state. The state police have been directed to be more vigilant and proactive in preventing and investigating crimes.

2. Setting up women's help desks: The government has set up women's help desks at police stations to provide a safe and secure environment for women to report crimes and seek assistance. The desks are staffed by female police officers and provide counseling, legal assistance, and medical aid to women.

3. Fast-track courts for rape cases: The government has set up fast-track courts to expedite the trial of rape cases and ensure swift justice for victims. The courts are equipped with modern facilities and are staffed by trained judges and lawyers.

4. Public awareness campaigns: The government has launched public awareness campaigns to sensitize people about the consequences of crime and rape and to promote respect for women. The campaigns involve posters, billboards, and other media to educate people about women's rights and the legal consequences of committing crimes.

5. Use of technology: The government has embraced technology to improve law and order in the state. The police have been equipped with modern equipment such as CCTVs, body cameras, and drones to monitor crime and respond to incidents quickly.

Overall, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken several steps to control crime and rape in the state, but there is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring women's safety and security. The government needs to work in collaboration with civil society organizations, women's groups, and other stakeholders to create a safe and secure environment for women in the state.

Building a safe Uttar Pradesh is a multi-faceted challenge that requires a coordinated effort from the government, civil society, and citizens. Here are some possible steps that can be taken to build a safe Uttar Pradesh:

1. Education and Awareness: Education and awareness are critical to changing social attitudes towards women and reducing gender-based violence. The government can launch public awareness campaigns that emphasize the importance of gender equality, respect for women's rights, and the consequences of committing crimes.

2. Police Reform: The police force in Uttar Pradesh needs comprehensive reform to make it more accountable and efficient. The recruitment process should be transparent, and the training of police personnel should include sensitivity towards gender issues. The police force should also prioritize the protection of women and be held accountable for any lapses in that regard.

3. Faster Justice: The criminal justice system in Uttar Pradesh needs to be overhauled to ensure swift and fair trials for rape and other crimes against women. This can be achieved by setting up more fast-track courts and improving the functioning of existing courts.

4. Rehabilitation: Survivors of sexual assault require proper rehabilitation and care. The government can provide counseling services and medical aid to survivors of sexual assault.

5. Empowerment of Women: Empowering women can help them become more aware of their rights and enable them to take charge of their lives. This can be done by providing education and vocational training to women and creating employment opportunities for them.

6. Strengthening Social Institutions: Social institutions like schools, colleges, and workplaces can be strengthened to prevent gender-based violence. This can be achieved by introducing gender-sensitive curricula, strict workplace regulations, and training programs for employees.

7. Collaborative Efforts: The government, civil society organizations, and citizens must work collaboratively to create a safe Uttar Pradesh. This can be achieved by creating a dialogue among various stakeholders and working towards common goals.

It will take a sustained effort from all stakeholders to build a safe Uttar Pradesh, but by taking a multi-pronged approach and working together, it is possible to make the state safer for women.