The Shiv Sena plans to create a security outfit, Bhagwa Guard (saffron guard), to protect morning walkers in Mumbai. The decision follows the murder of a woman by motorcycle-borne men who tried to snatch her jewellery.

The Sena will train youths drawn from its cadre for the new outfit, thereby also providing job opportunities.

“This will be a voluntary service of security guards,” said Shiv Sena South Mumbai vibhag pramukh Pandurang Sakpal.

He added that morning walkers were feeling insecure since Tuesday, when Beena Dedhia was killed and her husband Jatin injured by the robbers during a walk at Lalbaug.

Sakpal added that the force would be trained in unarmed combat and self-defence by an agency in a weeklong session beginning next week. The force would be started from South Mumbai, with an initial batch of50 physically fit youths between the ages of 20 and 35.

“Guards are necessary at all places. We will see if Bhagwa Guards volunteers get jobs as guards,” said Sakpal. He the Bhagwa Guards would also keep an eye on lanes and bylanes from where morning walkers start off, apart from spots like Nariman Point and Marine Drive which are frequented by people.

The Shiv Sena also plans to train more of its cadre to join the Bhagwa Guards.