The Hyderabad Metro Rail authorities have on Wednesday issued instructions to security personnel to permit girls and women to carry pepper spray while travelling on Metro trains in the city. The decision was taken in the wake of the latest incident of a 26-year old veterinarian who was allegedly raped and murdered on the outskirts of Hyderabad last week.

A group of ministers and officials held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss measures to be taken for the safety of women and children in the state. It was decided to direct all the police stations to register any complaint of missing women and children immediately on receipt, without bothering about jurisdictions (zero FIR).

 Helpline numbers will be prominently displayed in all educational institutions from primary schools to colleges, all government offices, public transport vehicles, autos, cabs.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had on Tuesday directed its security personnel to allow female commuters to carry pepper spray with them while travelling in a metro.