Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited authorities have announced that women travelling in metro trains in the city can hereafter carry pepper spray with them for self-defence. The decision was taken in the wake of the latest incident of a 26-year old veterinarian who was allegedly raped and murdered on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
HMR Managing Director NVS Reddy said in a media communique that instructions have been issued to security personnel to allow women to carry pepper spray for their safety. “Queries are being raised regarding allowing girls and ladies to carry pepper spray in Hyderabad metro trains as a self defence mechanism as is being allowed in Bengaluru metro rail. Instructions have been issued to our security personnel to permit this in our metro trains,” Reddy said.
Hitherto, carrying pepper spray was disallowed in metro trains on the grounds of fire safety. “We shall keep a strict vigil in the metro stations to ensure the safety of women,” a metro rail official said.
