New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) The anti-stalking helpline started by Delhi Police has received only nine calls in over a month after its launch as it is yet to become popular among women, an official said Sunday.

‘We have received nine calls since the helpline was launched May 15,’ a police officer, who manages the helpline, told IANS.

When asked about the few calls received on the helpline, the officer said: ‘We are trying to popularise the anti-stalking helpline. We have given advertisements in national dailies and FM channel so that more and more women may avail the service.’

Women can call the helpline by dialling 1096. They may also call the number 27894455 or send their complaint through a fax on 27292523 or send an SMS to 9911135446. They may also send an email regarding their complaint to ‘acp-sit-dl@nic.in’.

‘After receiving a call on the helpline, we immediately alert the concerned police station in the area and a team is rushed to the spot to help the caller,’ he said.

‘There is a lot of insecurity among women. We hope this new helpline will go a long way in helping them,’ Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said while launching the helpline last month.

Dadwal said the initiative is an extension of the police’s anti-obscenity cell which has received a good response from the people.

A total of 14,061 calls were made to the anti-obscenity cell till March this year since it started a year ago.