Karnataka Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Wednesday announced that the ‘Akka Force’—a special team to curb crimes against women and children—will soon be deployed across the state.
‘Akka’ means elder sister in Kannada, symbolising a protective role. The initiative aims to prevent rape, child marriages, and child pregnancies. Currently operational in Bidar, the force will be launched on an experimental basis from August 15 in Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Belagavi, before being expanded statewide.
The team will consist of women police personnel and senior NCC cadets, equipped with vehicles to patrol colleges and public areas. “This is a serious concern for us. The Akka Force will work to ensure such incidents are minimised,” Hebbalkar told the Legislative Assembly while replying to JD(S) leader C.B. Suresh Babu’s question on the rising cases of sexual crimes and child marriages.