Odisha to set up 7 IUCAWs to control crime against women

In its bid to contain crimes against women in the state, Odisha government today approved 150 posts to be set up for the seven Investigating Units on Crime Against Women (IUCAWs) proposed in different police districts, official sources said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved a proposal of the home department for creation of 150 posts to man the IUCAWs to be set up at Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Mayurbhanj and Angul police districts.
The state government's action came in response to a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The units would be set up on a 50:50 cost sharing basis with the state.

The IUCAW will mostly deal with the crimes against women like rape, dowry murder, acid attack, women trafficking and other such violence.
The IUCAW is needed to strengthen various elements of the criminal justice system, namely, investigation, prosecution and trials by courts to deal with the issue of rise of crimes against women.
Each IUCAW will be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police assisted by two DSPs, 4 inspectors, 4 sub-inspectors and 4 constables in Odisha. One third of the posts in such seven IUCAW for women officials.
Besides, the IUCAW will instill confidence and encourage women to come forward and lodge their complaint and improve the gender ratio in the state police.