Jatayu Army drive launched by Chilkur temple to protect women

Hyderabad: City-based famous Chilkur Balaji Temple chief priest Rangarajan on Tuesday formally launched 'Jatayu Army' to prevent atrocities on women and girls in the society.

Rangarajan said Jatayu Army formation is the new initiative to protect women and girls against atrocities.

The chief priest performed special rituals on sacred threads to be tied on the wrists of women and girls in the Chilkur Temple to symbolise launch of Jatayu Army.

He said any male member can be "Jatayu" like the eagle in the epic Ramayana, who confronted Demon Ravana when he abducted Sita and died at the hands of Ravana.

Expressing regret at the continuous sexual assaults on women, Rangarajan recalled an incident in which one Nadeem of Karwan rescued a small girl from being raped near Moinabad recently.

Nadeem was the first Jatayu who was felicitated and blessed. He said the idea came from thousands of devotees, who have been a part of sensitisation campaign.

Many have said just like violent animals are driven out, rapists and molesters should be afraid of punitive action from the Jatayus.