CHANDIGARH, July 2 — To safeguard the lives and liberties of runaway couples, Chandigarh Police have launched a dedicated special cell under the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU). The move follows directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had called for concrete measures to shield couples facing threats from families, communities or social groups.
The special cell has been operationalised at the Home Guards building in Sector 17, and will act as a nodal point for immediate intervention. A detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) has been released to ensure uniform and sensitive handling of such cases.
“This cell is meant to offer urgent and structured protection to couples who fear for their lives or freedom due to their relationships,” said a senior Chandigarh Police official.
As per the SOP, the Superintendent of Police (City) will function as the state nodal officer overseeing the implementation, while Station House Officers (SHOs) of all police stations will conduct field inquiries when a representation is filed. Crucially, every inquiry must include a woman police officer to ensure a secure and empathetic environment for complainants.
Once a couple or individual files a representation, the respective SHO is required to complete the inquiry within three days. If a prima facie threat is identified, the SHO must provide immediate protection, including shelter at the designated protection home in Sector 19-B. If the female partner is a minor, she will be placed in Aashiana, the designated facility in Sector 15, in line with juvenile protection guidelines.
A formal threat assessment will also be conducted, with appropriate security measures deployed depending on the risk level. In case the SHO denies protection, a written and reasoned order must be issued the same day, and shared free of cost with the couple and senior police officials including the concerned SDPO or DSP.
Couples dissatisfied with the SHO’s decision can appeal to the SDPO or DSP, who are obligated to provide a decision within seven days.
To improve accessibility and response, Chandigarh Police have also launched a 24×7 helpline (112) and an online portal—‘Special Cell for Protection of Runaway Couples’—available on the official Chandigarh Police website. In emergencies, a PCR unit and AHTU team will be dispatched immediately after the case is registered on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS).
Officials confirmed that the police department has begun maintaining year-round data on all such cases to ensure accountability and transparency in follow-up actions.
“This framework ensures that couples at risk are not left defenceless. We are committed to a zero-delay policy in response to such sensitive cases,” said an officer familiar with the cell’s operations.
