First arrest through 1090 women helpline in UP

Uttar Pradesh lodged the first case through the women's helpline 1090 Thursday after a computer student from Sonebhadra district refused to stop messaging vulgar texts on the mobile phones of two girls, police said.

The all-women helpline launched by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav last month aims at first counselling and then "legally acting" against mischief-makers.

Briefing the media about the arrest, Lucknow's Deputy Inspector General of Police Navneet Sikera said that Gopal Gupta had sent 123 SMSes to the victim and nine to one of her friends in the past two months.

The girls reported the matter to the 1090 women's power helpline Nov 22 after which the miscreant's phone was put under surveillance.

He was also counselled by helpline personnel that such rowdy behaviour could mean further trouble for him. But rather than heed the warnings and being repentant, Gupta started abusing the policemen on the phone.

After the officials felt that his behaviour would not improve, a case was registered at Gautampalli police station here late Wednesday, Sikera said.

Gupta, a computer student, was then arrested. It was also discovered that he had taken the SIM card in someone else's name and hence a case of fraud was also slapped on him.

The police said they will ensure that the offender cannot get a character certificate, a passport or a driving licence. - IANS