A lighter version of 'Nirbheek' revolver, designed after the brutal 2012 Delhi gangrape case especially for women to defend themselves, is being developed which will be available in attractive colours.
"The weapon, which was launched two-and-a-half-years back after the Nirbhaya case, initially weighed 750gm. Women felt it was heavy.
"A lighter, 500-gm model was launched later but experts are trying to further reduce its weight so that it can be easily carried in a handbag by women," Narendra Kumar, General Manager of Kanpur Field Gun Factory, told PTI today.
Apart from this, chrome-plating and colour-coding techniques will be used to make this revolver more attractive to women, he said.
Kumar said the maximum demand for the revolver has been from Punjab and Delhi. Since issuing of a new revolver licence is banned in Uttar Pradesh, the demand is coming from the other states, he said.
"It is not that only women are seeking this revolver. Due to its small size and light weight, it is evoking an interest among men as well," he said.
Nirbheek is currently available at a price of Rs 1,22,000 and the Ordnance Factory Board has been approached for a further reduction in its price.
After an approval is given, the colour, price and weight of this revolver will be reconsidered, Kumar said.
