Toll-free number to report hate crime launched

A toll-free number 1800-3133-600-00, named Helpline Against Hate, was launched by United Against Hate, a collective of eminent citizens campaigning for social justice and peace, here on Monday.

The number will be available to help victims of hate crime in as many as 100 cities. The helpline was launched in the wake of rising instances of hate crime and mob lynching, being reported from various parts of the country.

The launch event was attended by eminent lawyer Sanjay Hegde, senior journalist Urmilesh, Dr Kafeel Khan of BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur, and Professor Apoorvanand of Delhi University, among others.

"It's time to identify, define and deliberate on hate crime as is being done in many European countries. It was necessary to launch the helpline because minorities are being attacked just because of their identities. Cops refuse to take cognizance of hate crimes," said Apoorvanand.

Services on this number will be available in Hindi as well as English. Volunteers of the United Against Hate collective will handle calls and help victims and those reporting probable incidents of hate crime will get help from the police. The collective will also help victims in registration of FIR and other legal formalities.

According to a report in The Telegraph, Nadeem Khan of UAH explained that a network of NGOs in 100 cities across India was being roped in so that advocates in these places would be able to immediately help the victims of hate crimes.

“Even before a crime takes place, if you see a mob gathering, call the number. Lawyers, activists and journalists will publicise the matter, and call up police officers in the area so that they can reach fast,” Khan said.

Student leader and activist Umar Khalid said that the helpline was currently functioning with a skeletal staff on a rented premises in South East Delhi’s Jamia Nagar. “We will have a dedicated staff of employees and volunteers during the day. But in addition to that, calls at night will be forwarded to our own numbers so we can attend to them wherever we are.”

with inputs from The Telegraph and IANS