Bangalore City police launch ‘Abhaya’ to help women

Bangalore: Bangalore City Police on Wednesday launched a new patrolling initiative "Abhaya" to ensure speedy response for women in distress.

"Abhaya", manned by a woman Sub-Inspector and two women constables, would provide round-the-clock patrolling across the city. Women who want to seek help could call the special women help line 1091, launched recently or 10928, City Police Commissioner Jyoti Prakash Mirji said here. Shilpa Shettar, wife of Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and Pramila Ashok, wife of Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok, flagged off the new patrolling system at a function here. Shilpa hailed the initiative, which she said is the need of the hour in the aftermath of the Delhi gang rape incident. Mirji said, if need be, police would increase the number of Abhaya vehicles. One patrol vehicle would look after each of the seven divisions in the city and keep vigil on eve teasing and other crimes targetted at women. PTI