Punjab Police's Saanjh Rahat Kendras Become Lifeline for Women In Crisis; Over 1,000 Cases Registered

Published 14 July 2026 · india

Punjab Police's Saanjh Rahat Kendras Become Lifeline for Women In Crisis; Over 1,000 Cases Registered Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 22:05 IST Punjab

Punjab Police's Saanjh Rahat Kendras Become Lifeline for Women In Crisis; Over 1,000 Cases Registered Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 22:05 IST Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the Saanjh Rahat centres have become an important support system for women facing abuse and trauma. Rapid Read Punjab Police have stepped up efforts to help women facing trauma. (Image used for representation) Punjab Police’s Saanjh Rahat Kendras have registered more than 1,000 cases involving women in distress over the past two years, with the community policing initiative providing counselling, legal assistance and crisis intervention to survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable situations, officials said Tuesday. The four Saanjh Rahat Kendras, operating in Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana and Jalandhar, have screened 1,656 cases and registered 1,069 cases since the initiative began two years ago. Launched with two trained counsellors at each centre, the programme has since expanded with the involvement of several counsellors to support women seeking assistance.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the centres have become an important support system for women facing abuse and trauma. “Though there are many success stories of the Saanjh Rahat Kendras, the timely rescue of a woman from domestic violence in Mohali showcases the commitment of the Punjab Police," he said. Yadav also cited the rescue of a woman facing domestic violence in Mohali after she reported that her husband had physically assaulted her and threatened to have her killed. Police said the Saanjh Rahat Kendra team responded immediately, ensured her safety, arranged transportation and escorted her to her parental home. He also recounted another case in which a woman living alone was admitted to hospital in critical condition. Police said counsellors persuaded her to continue treatment, coordinated her care at PGI, supported her through a miscarriage and later helped her find employment and reconnect with her family. Punjab Police said the Saanjh Rahat Kendras are part of a broader effort to strengthen women’s safety through community policing.

Under the Jagriti Programme, Mahila Mittars have visited 12,482 schools over the last two years, sensitising more than 1.17 million children aged 6 to 12. Another 76,299 principals, teachers and school staff members also underwent awareness programmes during the period. Separately, Women Help Desks across the state organised 69,329 outreach programmes over the last five years covering cybercrime, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, child marriage, juvenile justice, drug abuse and gender sensitisation. “Since its inception in 2011, the SAANJH ecosystem has played a vital role in strengthening this partnership, delivering citizen-centric services through a robust network of over 530 SAANJH Kendras across districts, sub-divisions and police stations in Punjab," said Gurpreet Kaur Deo, Special Director General of Police, Community Affairs Division. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What impact do these centers have on women's safety? Punjab Police's Saanjh Rahat Kendras provide counselling, legal assistance, and crisis intervention to women facing abuse and trauma.