Against the backdrop of rising attacks on women, Thane police commissioner KP Raghuvanshi has asked them to carry chilli powder for self-defence.

"Women should keep with them a packet of chilli powder and make use of it, if attacked by anti-social elements," the police chief said, while addressing a gathering of female students of local colleges in Dombivili on Wednesday.

Raghuvanshi's remarks came in the wake of rising number of attacks on women in the city, the latest being the murder of a 19-year-old by four youths including minors, for allegedly trying to stop them from teasing a girl.

"Women have had enough. It's time for them to act now. They should learn self-defence skills and in case, anyone misbehaves with them, be it a known or unknown person, they should inform the elders about the same," he added.

Raghuvanshi said that women should not let themselves overcome with shame in case they fall prey to any crime against them.

On security scene in Dombivili, he said more than 100 police personnel have been deployed to keep a check on crime against women. "Beat marshals are provided with modern communication devices for the purpose," he added. —PTI