INDIA - An ordnance factory in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has made the country's first gun reportedly designed for women, potentially giving Indian women more power to defend themselves.

The .32 bore light weight revolver, called Nirbheek, weighs 500g and costs about 122,350 rupees (S$2,500), The Times of India reported.

INDIA - It is the smallest revolver made in India - ideal to fit in a handbag ­- and it can fire six rounds loaded in a revolving chamber. It was launched on Jan 6 and has already received about 80 inquiries and more than 20 bookings.

Said Mr Abdul Hameed, general manager of Indian Ordnance Factory: "At least 80 per cent bookings are from women."

The gun is seen as a tribute to the December 2012 gang rape victim Nirbhaya.

But not all women believe that carrying a handgun would help combat harassment on public transport daily.

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