Rs 1,22,360 handgun named after 'Nirbhaya', NGOs cry 'insult

, Jan 13: 'Nirbheek', a .32 calibre revolver, designed by the state-run Ordinance Factory, has drawn the criticism of various human rights agencies who say that it is a "disgrace to the girl's memory".

Meant for the safety of women, the titanium-alloy, six-shot gun can fit in a purse. According to reports, the Kanpur factory has received 20 orders already, most of them from women.

"At least 80 per cent of the bookings are from women," said IOF general manager Abdul Hameed, adding that orders were expected to go up in future. He further added that the gun has got good responses, despite its cost.

The handgun costs Rs 1,22,360.

This tribute to the December 16 Delhi gangrape victim Nirbhaya, however, has not been taken too well by the human rights agencies. Calling it an "insult" to her memories, "It really is an insult to the memory of Nirbhaya," Binalakshmi Nepram, who is the founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network.

She further added,"Our research shows that a person is 12 times more likely to be shot dead if they are carrying a gun when attacked. It also shows that the government of India has failed to protect women by resorting to this. Arming women is not a responsible way to secure their safety and security."

OneIndia News