An engineering student in Tamil Nadu has claimed to have developed an electronic device that could help girls to protect themselves from molesters by benumbing the attacker temporarily.

Resembling a hair clip or mobile cover, the "Ladies safety shocker", designed by second year Mechanical Engineering student V R Manikandan, of private Kalasilingam University, can let out an electric shock at the press of a button, benumbing the attacker temporarilly.

Besides, the device, powered by a three volt battery which is rechareable with solar power, would also raise an alarm with a beep sound that can be heard in a radius of 20 metres, Manikandan said.

Concern over incidents of attacks on women such as gang rape prompted him to develop the device, he said.

"If any person attempted to flirt with girls, particularly in buses or trains, this handy device will temporarily benumb the person. It is more effective than karate or pepper spray as it does less harm,(sic)" he said.

It is planned to incorporate the device, which will cost around Rs 150, in watch strap or wrist band, the student said adding his classmate Bharat Kiran was also involved in developing it.