DHAKA: An Indian handgun designed for women and named after the victim of a fatal gang-rape in Delhi was condemned by rights activists on Sunday as a disgrace to her memory.

The lightweight .32 calibre revolver was developed by the state-run Indian Ordnance Factory and can fit inside a small purse or handbag, according to a newspaper report, says The Straits Times.

The factory in the northern city of Kanpur has received 20 orders since the titanium-alloy, six-shot gun - costing 122,360 rupees, was launched earlier this month, the Times of India said on Friday.

‘At least 80 percent of the bookings are from women,’ IOF general manager Abdul Hameed told the newspaper, adding that more orders were expected soon.

BDST: 1759 HRS, JAN 12, 2014
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor