Bengaluru: Metro responds after reports claim laborer barred over clothes
What's the story
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has responded to reports that a laborer was prohibited from boarding the metro due to his clothing. Days ago, a social media user posted a picture of a man at the Doddakallasandra Metro Station, alleging he was allegedly stopped from boarding over unclean clothes. The message quickly gained traction, with many people directing their rage toward BMRCL, as this was allegedly the second instance of people being denied boarding.
Twitter Post
Check out the tweet by the eyewitness
Location Doddakallasandra metro. One
more incident of cloth/attire related incident happened in front of me just now. A labourer was stopped & told to stitch up his top two buttons…
When did Namma metro became like this!!? @OfficialBMRCL @Tejasvi_Surya pic.twitter.com/4hB8Z6Q2gT — Old_Saffron(ಮೋದಿಯ ಪರಿವಾರ/Modi’s Family) (@TotagiR) April 7, 2024
Official statement
BMRCL responds to social media outrage
Following the social media outrage, BMRCL clarified that all passengers are treated equally, irrespective of their socio-economic background or gender. An official stated that the passenger was suspected of being intoxicated and was asked to step aside to prevent any potential disruption to women and children on the Metro. "After his assurance that he would not disturb others, the youth was allowed to travel," the official added.
Past controversy
Previous incident and public reaction
In a similar case, a farmer dressed in worn-out clothes and carrying a bag on his head was refused entry by BMRCL staff in February. In a video published on X, a man identified as Karthik C Airani was seen arguing with metro personnel, questioning whether there was a regulation requiring commuters to wear a dress code. After the video went viral, Bengaluru Metro issued a statement, saying that the security official involved had been fired.