The incident, at Rajajinagar metro station, sparked outrage following which BMRCL terminated the security supervisor at the station.
Scrrengrab from the video circulated on X.
A security supervisor of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) was terminated on Monday, 26 February, for denying entry to a farmer to travel on the public transport claiming that he was “inappropriately dressed”.
The incident, at Rajajinagar metro station, sparked outrage as the farmer was denied entry due to his attire being deemed “too dirty”.
The incident came to light after a commuter posted the video of the event, which happened on 18 February, on X.
According to eyewitnesses, the farmer was prevented from entering the Metro. Despite his pleas and explanations, the staff insisted that only passengers dressed in “proper attire” would be allowed to board.
The situation escalated when a fellow passenger intervened, expressing his outrage at the staff’s treatment towards the farmer.
He can be heard in the video asking how dirty attire could be a reason to deny someone entry to the metro. The commuter, Karthik C Airani, questioned the authority for denying entry.
He immediately intervened and questioned the security staff as to on what basis he was not allowing him to use the metro services.
He fought on behalf of the farmer for his right as a citizen with a valid ticket to use the metro and also said he did not have any items in his sack that were prohibited from carrying in the metro.
Airani also asked the security staff to show him a rule which mandates a dress code for commuters of the metro and further questioned if this mode of transport was only restricted to VIPs.
After the argument, the commuter told the farmer to tag along with him and ensured he travelled in the metro.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media platforms.
Social media outcry led to the hashtag #BMRCLMetroOnlyForVIPs, criticising preferential treatment. Citizens expressed their dismay at the lack of empathy shown by the Metro staff.
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
The video capturing the staff’s behaviour was posted on X on 24 February and has been widely circulated.
Many called for strict disciplinary actions against the staff.
Following the incident, the BMRCL probed into the matter and terminated the security supervisor.
The BMRCL said: “Namma (Bengaluru) metro is an inclusive public transport. This Rajajinagar incident is probed and the services of the security supervisor is terminated. BMRCL regrets the inconvenience caused to the passenger.”
Namma Metro is an inclusive public transport. The Rajajinagar incident is probed & the services of the security supervisor is terminated. BMRCL regrets the inconvenience caused to the Passenger.@srivasrbmrccoi1
— ನಮ್ಮ ಮೆಟ್ರೋ (@OfficialBMRCL) February 26, 2024
May 08, 2024
May 08, 2024
May 08, 2024
May 08, 2024
May 08, 2024
May 08, 2024
