Fact Check: Old Non-Functional 'Nirbhaya' Helpline Number Shared As New

A message is going viral on various social media platforms with users posting a message with a women’s safety helpline number. The helpline number has been called the ‘Nirbhaya Number’

The message reads, “Send this *Nirbhaya* number to your wife, daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, and all the ladies you know..ask them to save it.. all the men please share with all the ladies you know….

In case of emergency.Ladies can send blank msg or can give missed call..so that police will find your location and help u 9833312222”.

This message was going viral on twitter as well but in 2018.

Nirbhaya
Mobile +91 98333 12222
Send this Nirbhaya number to your wife, daughters, sisters, friends, and all the ladies you know..ask them to save it..
In case of emergency, Ladies can send empty msg or can give missed call..so that police will find your location and help u..

— Prakash Arige (@prakasharige) April 15, 2018

Send this Nirbhaya number to your wife, daughters, sisters, friends, and all the ladies you know..ask them to save it.. all the men please share with all the ladies you know….
In case of emergency.Ladies can send empty msg or can give missed call..so that police will find your

— S♏️. Syedmustafa���� (@syedmustafa859) April 17, 2018

''+91 98333 12222'' Send this Nirbhaya number to your wife, daughters, sisters, friends, and all the ladies you… https://t.co/ccnX7lgjXA

— Abhijit Bhattacharje (@aubirb69) March 8, 2018

Fact Check

The Government Railway Police in 2015 had launched a WhatsApp number where woman can exclusive send their complaints in Mumbai. The number had been linked with computers controlled and supervised at the police headquarters’ control. They even planned to monitor the data 24/7.

On trying to access the number on WhatsApp, we found out that the number is not functional any more. We were unable to send WhatsApp messages as well. On searching online, we found two more WhatsApp helpline numbers. These numbers are listed on the official website of Mumbai Railway Police.

Conclusion

The number in the viral message was deactivated a long time back, and it is recommended that it is not used to contact the police during distressing situations. In case such a situation arises, please call numbers such as 100 and other helplines listed on state police or similar law and order machinery websites based on your jurisdiction.

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