PATNA, Aug. 29 -- On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bihar police on Friday formally launched more than 1,400 "police didi" teams across the state as part of the special initiative to ensure the safety of women and young girls through regular patrolling and surveillance around women's colleges. The initiative was earlier announced by chief minister Samrat Choudhary. All the women personnel have been provided pink scooties giving them a distinct identity. They will be deputed in all districts in the state. According to police officers aware of the duty details of the squads, the "police didi" teams will conduct regular visits and effective surveillance in sensitive and crowded areas within their respective police station, including schools, colleges, hostels, coaching institutes, malls, parks, cinema halls, fairs, markets, and bazaar for ensuring the safety of women and school and college girls. The "police didis" will also provide immediate assistance, counselling, and other necessary support to women and girls whenever required. To handle emergencies, the "police didi" teams have been linked with ERSS Dial-112 so that immediate backup can be dispatched from the nearest ERSS vehicle and other police units if needed. A target has been set to form 2,500 "Police Didi" teams in total, with 1,500 in the first phase and 1,000 in the second phase, police officers said. The "police didi" teams have been formed to meet present requirements, replacing the previously active Abhaya Brigade. Each team comprises one female police officer as the in-charge and one female police constable as a member. These teams have been set up in all districts to prevent crimes against women and girls and to build a safe, reliable environment for them. The "police didi" teams will visit schools, colleges, hostels, and coaching institutes to connect directly with women and girls, gathering information about their safety concerns and needs. They will establish necessary coordination with institutional administrators, teachers, wardens, and management to create an effective sync for female safety. Women and girls will also be educated about their rights, safety measures, available police assistance, and emergency services. Swift and appropriate legal action will be ensured upon receiving any reports of eve-teasing, stalking, harassment, or other criminal activities, officers said....