Security breaches at women’s hostels in Kerala call for safety audit

Back-to-back incidents of security breaches at women’s hostels in the State have raised concerns over safety measures at such facilities used by thousands of women who are away from home for work or studies.

While a man allegedly sexually assaulted a techie woman at a hostel room in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, a youth was nabbed in Kannur for reportedly trespassing into a women’s hostel at Thavakara in Kannur the next day.

Woman employees of Infopark Kochi have flagged security lapses in several hostels and their premises, though they maintain no serious threat was reported in recent past.

“There are hostels that consider security measures as a priority. They are located in safe areas and have facilities including CCTV cameras. But then there are several accommodation facilities set up randomly in less populated areas. Often, women who cannot afford the premium hostels have to settle for such facilities where they feel less secure,” Sanjana Keshavadas, an employee with a multinational firm at Infopark, said.

Deepa K.R., vice president, Kochi, of Prathidhwani, a forum of IT employees, echoed the concerns. “We have not come across any severe issue from hostels of late, but it is a fact that women still do not have the liberty to walk alone to their residence at night after working hours. Lack of poor light on the route from Inforpark to Kakkanad, especially in Infopark Phase 2, has remained a major concern. Of course, things have been getting better of late, but still there is a lot to be done,” Ms. Deepa said.

Radhamani Pillai, chairperson, Thrikkakara municipality, admitted that a number of hostels had been set up in the area without necessary permissions. “We conduct checks and detect facilities run without licences,” she said.

Hostels in the government sector, meanwhile, have CCTVs installed and wardens appointed. In Kochi, the Kerala State Women's Development Corporation runs hostels with facilities at Kakkanad and Kadavanthra. The Public Works department also has a working women’s hostel at Kakkanad which has a warden and a punching system for the residents.

“Local bodies, being the licensing authority, should ensure no hostel functions without permission. They have to conduct inspections and take required action against unauthorised facilities. Whenever a safety issue is reported, we do address them,” Jeeja. S., district women protection officer, Department of Women and Child Development, said.

After the Kazhakoottam incident, the Thiruvananthapuram police have reportedly proposed that safety measures like CCTV cameras and security guards must be ensured in hostels for women.