Tech giant city Bengaluru witnessed discriminatory treatment when security personnel denied entry to an elderly man who was dressed in dirty clothes / soiled clothes with a gunny bag in the metro.
This brought in a wave of criticism on social media where the users were questioning the baseline of fairness of the metro system in Bengaluru-owned Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Later the action was taken by dismissing the security supervisor at Rajajinagar station on Monday.
UNBELIEVABLE..! Is metro only for VIPs? Is there a dress code to use Metro?
I appreciate actions of Karthik C Airani, who fought for the right of a farmer at Rajajinagar metro station. We need more such heroes everywhere. @OfficialBMRCL train your officials properly. #metro pic.twitter.com/7SAZdlgAEH— Deepak N (@DeepakN172) February 24, 2024
BMRCL made its decision known on X and reaffirmed that it functions as a public transportation system accessible to all.
“Our Metro is a public transport service, and following an investigation into the Rajajinagar incident, the employment of the security supervisor has been terminated. The Corporation expresses regret for any inconvenience experienced by passengers,” the statement read.
A video capturing the incident surfaced on X on Saturday and gained widespread attention by Monday morning. BMRCL swiftly announced the termination of the security supervisor involved.
The footage, reportedly recorded by a Kannadiga individual, showcases a heated argument in defense of a bewildered Hindi-speaking commuter whose identity remains undisclosed. Identified as Karthik C. Airani by Deepak N, the protester confronted Metro security alongside another Kannada-speaking man, questioning the rationale behind denying entry based on the man’s soiled attire.
Despite having his gunny bag scanned and possessing a valid ticket, the man in shabby clothes was halted at the platform gate. The protester, leading the conversation, vehemently expressed dissatisfaction, challenging the notion of VIP transport and demanding an explanation for refusing entry based on clothing.
While the protester continues to debate, the distressed commuter stands with his gunny sack on his head. The argument persisted for about 15 minutes before the security staff relented, allowing the elderly man onto the platform.
A BMRCL official later confirmed that the man with the gunny bag boarded a train from Rajajinagar and completed his journey, though the specific destination was not disclosed.
The incident sparked public outrage, with many expressing disappointment and anger over the mistreatment of a disadvantaged individual. Lavanya Ballal, the state Congress general secretary overseeing media communications, criticized BMRCL and called for a sensitization program for its employees.
Social media users echoed the sentiment that Namma Metro, meaning “Our Metro” in Kannada, should be inclusive for all. Deepak N, who shared the video, questioned the exclusivity of the Metro, asking if it is reserved only for VIPs and if there is an unwritten dress code.
