Koraput: Police launched a special programme - Jagruti - to ensure safety of women on Tuesday, coinciding with Sabitri Brata.

As a part of the initiative, the police introduced a WhatsApp helpline number for quick redress of grievances related to women. The WhatsApp number is 9438916808.

"Anyone can message or call on the number in case of emergencies related to women. After getting information, swift action will be taken to address it," said Koraput police superintendent Kanwar Vishal Singh.

"The number is connected to the women's police station control room in Jeypore."

However, police said one should not consider this platform as a tool to register FIR. Only grievances related to woman can be registered at the WhatsApp number.

"In case of domestic violence, all efforts will be done to sort out the problem amicably and cases will be registered only if they are required," said Uddhab Charan Nayak, additional superintendent of police, who is the nodal officer of the programme.

The district police organised a workshop on this, attended by hundreds of women, at the women's police station on Tuesday. Here, awareness was created about various existing laws for protection of women at home, offices and educational institutions.

"The workshop was very informative. I came to know about various laws to protect women against sexual harassment at the work place," said Geetanjali Nayak, who works with a private firm.

The police also launched a special patrol vehicle dedicated to women's safety. With an all-women crew, the vehicle will conduct regular patrolling near schools, colleges, educations institutions, markets and cinemas.

"Police surveillance will be increased at points where there is maximum footfall of women. Eve-teasers and road-Romeos will not be spared and taken to task," said Sagarika Nath, a trainee IPS officer.

The police said the women's patrol team has now been introduced in Jeypore, but could be set for other urban areas in the future.