The recent spate of crime against women has prompted the Mumbai police to start training women personnel of the force in martial arts. As a part of this initiative, at least 150 of them have undergone self-defence training.
Sessions to train women cops in self-defence have been started at the Naigaon (central Mumbai) and Marol (Andheri) police grounds. Timings and batches for these sessions are decided as per the bandobast (deployment) of these personnel and other duties.

“We planned the training sessions in accordance with the duty schedule of the policewomen, to ensure they do not miss out on the training,” said Vijay Chavan, additional commissioner of police (Local Arms I), Mumbai.

The training is being imparted by a sports officer, who is a black-belt expert. The officer is also assisted by an already-trained woman constable. Each batch comprises 50 women who learn karate three-four times a week, in morning or evening batches.

Harvinderkaur Variach, deputy commissioner of police (protection) said, “With crime against women on the rise, not only should women cops be in a position to protect themselves, but also citizens.”

Officials also said those being trained are selected on the basis of their age and physical fitness, since they need to be strong enough to undergo the rigorous routine.