Routine grievances can nowbe resolved at Pink Booths | Lucknow News

Lucknow: In a major women-friendly reform under the Mission Shakti initiative, residents in Lucknow will no longer need to visit police stations for routine grievances. Instead, they can now approach their nearest Pink Booth to seek help on matters such as cyber fraud, lost documents, verification requests, or complaint follow-ups, in a safe and approachable environment.Each Pink Booth is staffed exclusively by two women constables per shift to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for women seeking police assistance. The booths have been classified into three categories based on sensitivity and workload. Six booths have been designated as highly sensitive and operate round-the-clock in two 12-hour shifts; 17 are sensitive and function from 7 am to 3 pm and from 3 pm to 11 pm; while 76 general booths remain open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Together, these 99 Pink Booths across the district provide easier and wider access to police services compared to the 54 existing police stations, said ACP (Crime Against Women) Saumya Pandey. Pandey said these booths offer a range of essential services, including registration of cyber fraud complaints, providing FIR copies free of cost, filing e-FIRs for lost or stolen items such as mobile phones, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, or mark sheets, and checking the status of passport or character verifications. Citizens can also obtain details of nearby police stations or chowkis along with contact numbers, and follow up on previously registered complaints. “Importantly, if a Pink Booth is closed or unattended, citizens can immediately call the CUG number displayed outside. In case there is no response, dialling 112 will prompt a Pink Patrol or PRV team to reach the location and provide assistance,” she said. Officials explained that while traditional police stations remain occupied with crime investigations, law and order, festival duties, and traffic arrangements, Pink Booths are dedicated to civil and service-related grievances. This separation ensures focused attention and timely support, especially for women, who often hesitate to visit regular police stations. Pink Booths also play a crucial role in tackling cybercrime. “Every cyber fraud complaint filed at a booth is registered on NCRP and is immediately coordinated with the district cyber help desk or cyber cell,” Pandey added. A senior police officer said the initiative reflects a shift towards community-oriented and accessible policing. “The aim is to make police services available within neighbourhoods, especially for women who may avoid police stations,” the officer said.