A disturbing incident aboard the Ahmedabad Metro has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about safety and social behaviour in public spaces.
A man was arrested by the Vastrapur police after he was caught in a lewd act in front of female passengers in a crowded metro coach. The incident, which occurred during the morning commute on November 27, has prompted widespread criticism and calls for stricter security measures in public transport.
The incident took place on Wednesday morning on metro train TE0008 in compartment L4, which departed from Kalupur station and was heading towards Thaltej. Among the passengers in the affected coach were several women and young girls. The accused, wearing a hospital-branded T-shirt, engaged in the obscene act despite protests from fellow passengers. Some youths attempted to intervene, but the man continued his behaviour.
Ankur Pathak, Metro Media Coordinator, stated, “The incident occurred between 8.30 am and 9 am. After being informed by the passenger, our security staff at the station launched a search. Using CCTV footage, we identified and tracked down the individual, who was subsequently handed over to the Vastrapur police station for further investigation.”
A disturbed passenger recorded the incident on video and reported it to security personnel at the SRP post after alighting at Thaltej metro station. Acting promptly, metro security staff initiated an investigation. They apprehended the accused at Doordarshan Kendra station and handed him over to the Vastrapur police for further action.
Himanshu Verma, DCP Zone 1, confirmed, “The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, and the Metro authorities handed the accused over to us on Thursday. A case has been registered against him, and further investigations are ongoing.”
The Vastrapur police have registered a case and are delving into the accused’s background. According to a police source, the man works as a cleaner and may be suffering from a mental illness. During interrogation, authorities observed behaviour that raised concerns about his mental health. Further investigations, including medical evaluations, are expected to shed more light on the case.”
Currently, the accused’s identity has not been disclosed. Meanwhile, authorities are reviewing metro security protocols to ensure a safer environment for passengers.