Bhubaneswar — Women in distress can now expect prompt police assistance thanks to ‘Mo Sathi’, a mobile phone-based application, launched by chief minister  here on Friday.

“I urge all women to make use of this technology for their own safety. I call upon police to promptly respond to women, using this App, and ensure that its use is widespread and successful,” Naveen said.

Android smartphone users (women only) will have to register their name with police to avail the service.

They will have to mention mobile numbers of their parents or three friends during registration.

Once registered, the users will get an SMS on their mobile numbers with a download link, The Times of India reported.

“In case of an emergency, the user can send an alert to police by pressing the power button five times. The alert would be transmitted to police control room and their parents or three friends. The location of the App users can immediately be known through GPS technology,” said commissioner of police R P Sharma.

“As soon as the button is pressed, the camera on the phone will automatically start and capture a 30-second audio and video recording, which will be transmitted to the police control room,” he said.

The App will benefit working women, who often travel alone at night, he added.

In September last year, police started Maadhyam, a woman support centre, to provide counselling, legal and medical support to women in distress.

In June, ‘pink auto-rickshaw’ service was launched to ensure hassle-free journey in the city. Police have also been imparting self-defence training to working women and college students.

Lipsa Mishra, a lecturer of BJB Autonomous College, said: “It is a welcome step. The App will ensure our safety while returning from workplace.”

On January 15, Naveen had launched BBSR-CTC Police, another mobile App. It offers a host of police services, contact numbers of police personnel and allows users to lodge complaints against pink auto drivers, who are ‘rude’.