Farmer barred entry on Namma Metro for “improper attire”- BMRCL takes action, sacks security supervisor

Team Udayavani, Feb 26, 2024, 6:16 PM IST

Representative image (source: PTI)

Following an incident where a farmer was reportedly denied entry into a Namma Metro station due to “improper attire,” the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced the termination of the services of the security supervisor involved.

The incident came to light when X user Deepak N shared a video on Saturday from Rajajinagar Metro station, expressing astonishment over the incident. Deepak posted, “UNBELIEVABLE..! Is the metro only for VIPs? Is there a dress code to use Metro? I appreciate the actions of Karthik C Airani, who fought for the right of a farmer at Rajajinagar metro station. We need more such heroes everywhere. @OfficialBMRCL trains your officials properly. #metro.”

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

In response to the uproar, the BMRCL released a statement on Monday, stating, “Namma Metro is an inclusive public transport. The Rajajinagar incident is probed & the services of the security supervisor are 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

The video shared by Deepak captured Airani challenging the security officer in Kannada, questioning the existence of a dress code for Metro commuters and advocating for the farmer’s right to enter. Airani is heard questioning why the individual, identified as a farmer with a valid Metro ticket and only carrying clothes in his sack, was denied entry. He also requested clarification on the rule mandating a dress code for Metro commuters, questioning whether the public transport system was exclusively for VIPs.

Additionally, another commuter also voiced support for the farmer, highlighting the discriminatory nature of the incident.

The video drew sharp reactions from netizens.  One user commented, “But still no comments from five-star service provider @OfficialBMRCL. Is Namma metro only for rich travelers? #brandbangalore is for rich guys only. @Tejasvi_Surya sir, pls instruct officials and become the voice of the poor. You meet AC room officials.”

Another user shared, “These security guys are untrained and think metros are like aeroplanes. Misbehavior has become a daily thing with them. One security was denying me entry for carrying 100 gms chutney pudi.”

Yet another X account expressed disappointment, stating, “I thought metro was a public transport made for the convenience of society, no matter to what section a person belonged to, but this video proved it wrong. Even if it’s rare, but still, we should count even 1 bad incident so that it never happens again in the future.”