After the Delhi gang rape case sent shockwaves across the country, not only have the police and state government started helplines for women, private agencies too were seen launching various self-defence instruments for women.
GPRS-based applications launched by operating system Android for women to use in an unsafe situation is an example of the same.
In such an initiative, Thane-based electrical engineer Purushottam Taachkande and his team have developed a footwear, which will help woman teach their attackers a lesson.
“We have installed a ‘black box’ in these sandals, which will record everything happening at the spot. Besides, if a woman taps her foot two to three times on the ground, an electric circuit will get activated generating high voltage current, enabling her to attack a man who tries to assault her,” said Taachkande.
“Also, the tapping will simultaneously activate a bluetooth service which will automatically connect with the woman’s mobile phone, dial numbers and send messages to pre-selected contact numbers. The footwear will also help the police locate the spot of attack as the black box will record all the activities that take place with a camera,” he said.
Taachkande said that as attackers target the hands, neck and the upper body of a woman in general, a woman can easily activate the robotic sandals to protect herself.
“In addition to all these facilities, a siren has also been installed, the switch of which is very small and hidden and known only to the user. The assailants will not able to switch it off easily,” added Taachkande.