Be vigilant against online predators, SP tells RIMS students

Superintendent of Police Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke on Friday cautioned women against sharing excessive personal information on social media platforms, warning that such disclosures could expose them to various forms of online harassment and exploitation.

Addressing girl students of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here as part of the ‘Operation Dandayan’ awareness programme on the safety of women and children, Mr. Shelke highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime and urged women and children to remain vigilant against online predators and stalkers.

While social media has emerged as a powerful source of information and communication, it has also created new avenues for crime and misuse, he said. Stressing the need for digital awareness, the SP advised students to stay updated on technological developments and familiarise themselves with the legal safeguards available to protect victims of cyber offences.

Sharing the district police’s achievements in tackling crimes against women and children, Mr. Shelke said that 44 cases had been registered over the last two years. Of these, 15 resulted in life imprisonment for the accused, one ended in a 20-year prison term, and ten others led to sentences ranging from three to seven years.

He further said that sexual offender sheets had been opened against 197 persons accused of harassing women and children. During the same period, police traced 4,121 of the 4,209 missing persons reported in the district.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) K. Prakash Babu advised the students to immediately inform their parents, friends or the police if they faced harassment, intimidation or threats. Additional Public Prosecutor Uma Rani and RIMS Vice-Principal Naga Srilatha also addressed the gathering.