For self-defence, Hyderabad metro rail allows women to carry pepper spray

Hyderabad Metro Rail managing director NVS Reddy on Wednesday said that women can carry pepper spray with them for self-defence on the metro train.

The announcement has been made in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of the veterinary doctor Disha. The decision comes after a query raised by the women to allow them to carry pepper spray as Bengaluru metro does.

Carrying pepper sprays are not allowed into the train on the measures of fire safety. However, to ensure the safety of the woman, the metro authorities have taken the decision and also decided to keep a strict vigil in all metro stations.

On the other hand, orders have been passed directing all the police stations to register any complaint of missing women and children immediately irrespective of their jurisdictions. The decision comes after a meeting held by the ministers and officials following instructions from Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.