Among the woman councillors, however, tension ran high. As Deputy Mayor Snehlata Chauhan said, ``It's a time for introspection, for thought of our safety.''

Some councillors confessed to feeling too scared to complain about irregularities. ``Written complaints are out of the question; it'll mean inviting trouble'', said a senior councillor. ``Some mechanism has to be devised to protect the councillor's identity when there are complaints against any builder, land-grabber or criminal.

Some suggested that woman councillors be armed and trained to defend themselves. ``All school-going girls and women should be trained in martial arts,'' Chauhan said. ``I've never felt so insecure in my life. As such, I am alone most of the time as my husband is on tour three days a week.''

Bhavana Pandya, councillor from ward No 21, went a step ahead. ``Woman councillors should be given revolver licences'', she said. Her suggestion found favour with former deputy mayor Manjulaben Patel, who said, ``I have a pistol and I feel every woman councillor should have one.''

Chauhan found the idea so exciting that she immediately asked her personal assistant to contact the authorities concerned to be issued a revolver. Standing Committee Chairman Ajay Choksi said the woman councillors' suggestion was good and could be explored further. Justifying the woman councillors' need for revolver licences, Chauhan said that even on Tuesday morning, one of them had complained of receiving threatening calls. Pandya complained of the same. ``I've already informed the police,'' she added.

Despite their fears, woman councillors are quite optimistic that the culprits will be arrested. A party functionary pointed out that if new police commissioner Kuldip Sharma arrested the accused, he would become a hero, but if he fails, the BJP would be routed.

In about three months, a by-poll will be held for the seat which Satbhaya represented. And if no headway is made in the case, the BJP would find no woman candidates to field there, he added.