KATHMANDU: As many as 71 persons were arrested for sexually harassing females during a sting operation 'safety pin campaign' carried out for making women friendly public vehicles in Kathmandu Valley recently.

At least 33 teams of police personnel in civics were deployed in public vehicles plying various routes in the valley to miminised and discourage sexual harassment cases in public transport.

Police arrested 61 from Kathmandu, five each from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur district.

During the campaign, 48 persons were arrested for cursing and swearing others, 10 persons for molestation, 5 suspects for pick-pocketing and 24 persons were charged with various cases and 47 others cautioned and handed over to relatives.

Police also said persons with masters degree were also found to be involved in molestation in public transport.

Most of the suspects were aged 15-25.

Meanwhile, police said the campaign would be continued for three months and would be launched as per the requirement in the future.

Likewise, police have urged the general public to report such cases to police without any fear as their identities will be kept secret.

The victims can directly call to police hotline 100 or 9851289111.