Fatehpur SP gives 700 women cops a day off for Karva Chauth (Representative image) PRAYAGRAJ: In a surprise move, Fatehpur SP Abhimanyu Mangalik has announced a special leave day for around 700 women police personnel, ranging from constables to sub-inspectors, so that they can celebrate Karva Chauth, to be observed on October 29 (Thursday), without hassle.Women cops posted at 23 police stations, 40 police outposts, police offices and other police wings have been given a special day’s relaxation for the festival.The SP has also asked his subordinates, including deputy SPs and SHOs, to make alternative arrangements in place of women police personnel to maintain law and order.Police station personnel have also been asked to prepare a list of women cops who have expressed their desire to avail themselves of leave for the special day.This is the first time a district police chief has announced leave for women police personnel on duty.The SP told TOI that “He first allowed special leave for women policemen during Karva Chauth during his Bhadohi tenure as SP”.He, however, said, “Women policemen, once granted special leave, would be able to perform their vrat (fast) and other puja without any hindrance and will be feeling more relaxed”.Kumari, a woman constable, said she would stay at home to celebrate Karva Chauth for the first time in her six-year-long police service.“It is like a luxury for me and I applied mehendi on my hands. My family members didn’t let me work so I feel like a queen,” she said.Women cops are all ready to enjoy their special leave granted to them. Another woman constable said, “It is a tough job, especially for females who also manage homes. They hardly spend quality time with their family.“This surprise leave was granted to the women cops so that they could enjoy the festival.”“Majority of us observe fast on Karva Chauth every year, but it was always a hurried affair due to work. I would run home and perform puja, but this time we will enjoy it.A section of women keep nirjala vrat (fasting without intake of water), which would have been impossible without a holiday,” said Amrita, another woman constable.