Being prepared: Companies buying pepper sprays for staff

With the city reeling under crimes against women, pepper sprays and pepper guns have become must-haves with stores reporting an increase in sales of these bottles that fit into a purse, reports Pratik Salunke.

With the city reeling under crimes against women, pepper sprays and pepper guns have become must-haves with stores reporting an increase in sales of these bottles that fit into a purse.

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“We have received queries about pepper sprays. The dem-and has increased owing to which our stocks are exhausted,” said Rajit P, director of Indus Cartel Private Limited that distributes these products. The company received bulk orders from two corporate houses the past week.

When sprayed, the chemicals cause a burning sensation in the eyes and on the skin and the attacker’s eyes immediately slam shut.

Manufacturers of these products stated that there is a sudden demand all over the country. Moreover, corporate houses are also asking for estimates to distribute them to employees.

“The demand has increased 30 times after the incidents of crime against women were reported. There has also been an increase in demand in cities such as Mumbai and Pune that has large number of companies,” said Rana Singh, founder of Aax Global that manufacturers these products.

Dealers said there is a spurt whenever a major incident of crime against women takes place. The last time sales shot up was when lawyer Pallavi Purk-hayastha was murdered at her Wadala residence in August this year.

Women said these sprays sho-uld be easily available and people should be made aware of its uses. “The mere thought of having a spray in your bag makes you feel safer,” said Richa Padte, a working professional.