Bengaluru metro ride turns traumatic: Woman alleges harassment by co-passenger

A 46-year-old man allegedly touched a woman passenger, who was seated next to him, inappropriately on a Namma Metro train on Tuesday (December 23). The woman recorded a video narrating her ordeal and accused the police of showing “sympathy” towards the accused. The police have denied the allegations.

According to the woman, she boarded the metro at Sri Sathya Sai Hospital station and took a seat. After a few stops, the accused sat next to her and allegedly tried to touch her inappropriately, causing her discomfort. When she moved slightly away, he continued to inch closer, making her feel uneasy.

She further stated that when her stop arrived, she stood up and slapped the accused. After getting off the train, she slapped him again, following which he broke down. She claimed that he was under the influence of alcohol.

According to the woman, metro authorities took up the matter and suggested that she file a police complaint. The accused then fell at her feet and pleaded for mercy. “He went on to say that I was of his daughter’s age and that he would not do something like that,” the woman said.

She then took him to a police station to file a complaint, where the woman alleged that the police showed “mercy” towards the accused and took little action

Speaking to The Hindu, a senior officer from the West Division denied the allegations and said that the woman had refused to file an FIR. The officer also shared the woman’s written complaint, in which she stated, “Take necessary action against the person so that he does not repeat the same, but I do not want any FIR on the issue.” Police have taken up a non-cognisable report.