Kolkata, July 30 : Kolkata Police's Durga Suraksha Squad, launched earlier this month to create awareness against crimes against women, will now wear specially designed pink-and-orange waistcoats featuring the image of Goddess Durga and her trident over their uniforms while on duty, a senior police officer said on Thursday. 

The new waistcoat, mandatory for squad members patrolling on scooters, has been designed in pink and orange colours symbolising compassion and strength. The front and back of the garment will display the face of Goddess Durga along with her trident, while the words "Durga Suraksha Squad" will be prominently printed in English. There will also be pockets inside.

According to police officials, the design reflects the squad's dual role of supporting women in distress with empathy while taking firm action against crimes and violence targeting women. The waistcoat has been tailored with multiple pockets and lightweight material to ensure comfort, durability, and ease of movement during patrol duty.

Kolkata Police Headquarters at Lalbazar has ordered 110 waistcoats at an estimated cost of Rs 2.75 lakh. Manufacturers have been instructed to ensure the outfits are professional, sturdy, comfortable and suitable for personnel of different body types without hampering operational efficiency. The dress should be light, comfortable, and easy to wear, and should not get in the way of performing duties.

The squad will also receive new pink helmets carrying the Kolkata Police logo. The helmets will feature multilayer soft padding, full-side protection and chin guards, while ensuring adequate ventilation. Police have ordered around 80 such helmets at a cost of approximately Rs 1.08 lakh.

The Durga Suraksha Squad primarily patrols the city on scooters to enhance women's safety. The initiative is supported by a joint patrol network that includes personnel from police stations, the cyber police station, women's police stations and women's cells across Kolkata.

/IANS