Traditionally, Ahmedabad has a reputation of being a civil city. It beggars belief that it has seen a noticeable rise in stalking complaints.
The Abhayam 181 helpline received 2,398 calls related to eve-teasing last year. Add to the disconcerting numbers were 2,307 calls for stalking complaints, according to media reports.
It marks a 15% increase of such complaints over two years.
Going by these numbers, Ahmedabad’s image of public discipline and active civic monitoring is only on paper.
Media reports have revealed that Ahmedabad recorded a 40% increase of such complaints compared to the numbers in 2023. Surat and Rajkot reported a spike of 30% and 38% respectively.
Vadodara fared better with a 5% drop in the numbers.
Abhayam officials said harassment is no longer limited to crowded streets. It’s happening in places you’d normally think are safe, including schools and colleges. A coordinator of the helpline said complaints range from harassment of children to adults being followed repeatedly. He added that the helpline acts as a first responder, and several cases are passed on to the city police.
Officials said the rise in complaints has multiple reasons. Population growth, more response vehicles, and higher public awareness all play a role. They also noted that after the integrated 112 emergency number was launched in September, cases needing immediate police action now go straight to 112 teams. That has caused a dip in some categories.
City police said they are stepping up measures to tackle harassment and eve-teasing. Distress buttons have been installed in public areas. Awareness campaigns are running in schools and colleges. Patrols around educational institutions have also been intensified.
A look at Abhayam calls in 2025 shows 46% were about domestic violence, 15% about abuse or harassment, 12% were requests for information on specific cases, and 5% concerned extramarital affairs.
Overall call volume fell 9% to 1.97 lakh, which officials linked to the introduction of the 112 helpline.
If you think harassment is only happening in public spaces, the data shows it isn’t. You need to be aware even in spaces that seem safe.
Also Read: Ahmedabad: Parents Withdraw Daughters from Schools Due to Harassment Concerns https://www.vibesofindia.com/ahmedabad-parents-withdraw-daughters-from-schools-due-to-harassment-concerns/
