Chandigarh Police of India recently launched its women safety application, ?Raksha? and?also announced to set up an ATM-like kiosk where women will be able to lodge their complaints. It’s a machine – An Instant Complaint Lodging Internet Kiosk (IClik).
Women have to register themselves with the department through its website to be able to use the app. A unique number will be generated which will be connected to the mobile phones of the women registered with the Chandigarh Police.
The ?panic? option of the application will not only alert the police, but also five other contacts provided by a woman on the application. The police will also keep a record of five contacts each of the registered users. The police would have their numbers and photographs.
Once a user seeks help through the application, the police will be able to trace the location of the woman. Even if the application is switched off, it can send signals of distress if the phone?s volume key is pressed for a few seconds, besides sending the user?s exact whereabouts.
To avoid misuse of the application, accounts of women making fake calls will be deactivated. In such a scenario, the user would be required to register once again, provided she gives valid reason for her previous misconduct.
Upadhaya said the Chandigarh Police had been able to curtail crime against women in the past one year due to its campaigns, such as ?Zero tolerance, no to crime?, adding that 104 sexual harassment cases were reported in 2014 as compared to 194 in 2013, due to efforts of the police. He added that both the safety app and kiosk would provide a secure environment to women.
Sources: HindustanTimes, Mobile Raksha Solutions