The incident of a failed attempt to abduct a 21-year-old software engineer on her way to office for a night shift near Silk Board Junction last week has now triggered a circular of safety guidelines by her employer, based in Electronics City, for its 1,400 strong employee force.
The engineer was offered a drop by unidentified miscreants in a cab late evening when she was on her way to the office, for a night shift near Silk Board junction. The miscreants tried to drag her into the cab even when she refused to get into the vehicle. She screamed for help and fled from the spot. She informed the office about the harrowing incident, before getting admitted to a hospital for counselling.
The incident has led to a sense of insecurity among women employees, especially those staying in paying guest accommodations.
Yet to file complaint
Though the woman is recuperating in a hospital and yet to file a police complaint, the company has issued a circular to its 1,400-plus employees with a set of safety guidelines.
Raja Shanmugam, the Chief People Officer at Happiest Minds Technologies, said that the company was exploring various means of enhancing the safety and security of employees within and outside their work environment. “The company is also contemplating conducting safety awareness sessions, and self-defense programs specifically designed as a first response to such situations. We are also planning to recommend certain safety apps and create a community to respond in any such eventuality,” he said.
“This issue is in no way limited to women. Just a few months back, one of our senior executives was physically assaulted while on a call and his smartphone snatched from him,” Mr. Shanmugam said in his circular.
The circular also recommended some immediate safety tips for its employees asking them to be aware of the surroundings while walking on the road.
Identify perpretators
Mr. Shanmugam told The Hindu that the company was working with law enforcement authorities to explore ways of identifying the perpetrators and making the roads safer. “We are waiting for the woman’s recovery so that she can approach the police and file a formal complaint for further action,” he added.
Highlights of the circular
Be careful about who is walking close to you
Avoid being on long calls or with headsets on while taking deserted roads
Try to vary your routes – some attackers stalk victim to identify patterns
