Tormentors to be peppered with a spray

Jisha Surya
First Published : 10 Feb 2011

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  It seems the shock-waves created by the news of rape and murder of Soumya during her train journey will last for a while. Marking their protest in a different way, a group from Technopark is launching a self-defence awareness campaign. The highlight of the campaign will be the proposal to distribute pepper spray among women working in Technopark.
Through their website www.technoparktoday.com, a group of Technopark employees launched the campaign on Tuesday. The group, in association with a leading personal security service provider, will conduct self-defence awareness sessions in companies free of cost.
“We have sent mails to HR managers of various companies in this regard. Those who are interested can log on to our site www.store.technoparktoday.
com to book the pepper spray. We will ensure its home delivery,” said Renjith, a member of the group and an employee of UST Global.
Women working in Technopark have complained about lack of security measures, including absence of street lights on the road connecting Technopark and Kazhakkoottam.
Though most of the companies are providing cab for late night workers, they have to face a lot of problems if they miss the cab. Most of the girls have welcomed the introduction of pepper spray.
“It's a very good initiative.
I too want a pepper spray. I have placed an order with the techie store,” said Karthika, a techie. “The pepper spray, a strong concentrate of chilli pepper in an aerosol can, can be sprayed at 5 to 7 ft range. When sprayed on the face of the attacker, it puts him out of action for at least 30 minutes, giving you enough time to run away, call the police or get help,” said Renjith.
The spray can easily be carried in a purse or pocket and kept beside your bed or near the door of your home.
A can costs `299, he said.
“Many women have enquired about self-defence gadgets like the pepper spray.
But it was either not available or many didn't know where to get it from. We thought this is the best way to help the women. We are happy we could do our bit,” said Hari Nair, another techie of the group.