Surat arranges bouncers to keep eve teasers at bay during festivities
4 Oct 2008, 1229 Hrs

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Surat (Gujarat), Oct 4 Surat has added some muscle to its festive spirits as women sway to music as part of the traditional Garba dance during the "Navratri" festival

They are now sure that there would no more lewd glances and comments from eve teasers. Bouncers keep vigil at most garba dance centres.

"The bouncers give security to the women participants and when they catch a teaser they will hand them over either to the police or the organizer of the programme," said Sanjay Kanny, manager of a bouncer group.

Less violent forms of sexual harassment -- verbal taunts, groping at women in anonymous crowded markets or on public transport -- are a thing of the past in Surat.

"Seeing the bouncers here, we feel safe from the boys who try to create a nuisance," said Meenakshi, a woman participant.

Most Indian cities are unsafe for women. According to official figures, a woman is raped every half-hour in India. Activists suspect the number is much higher as many women don't report attacks to police, fearing harassment or social stigma. (ANI)