Delhi Metro Rail Corporation [Dmrc] — Inappropriate Behavior by DMRC Staff

Address:

New Delhi

This is to bring to your notice a deeply unfortunate incident that occurred with me that shook my belief in the ability of DMRC to treat women with dignity. As a woman, I have now lost confidence whether I can safely travel from one destination to the next using a metro service.

The incident occurred at around 12:15pm on June 30, 2022. I was traveling from Botanical Garden Metro Station to Hauz Khas metro station on the Magenta line and was seated in a ladies coach. At Jamia Millia Station, I took off my mask for a second to unlock my phone. This is when I was confronted by an official from the DMRC. I am not aware of his identity as he was not wearing an ID card.

He insisted that since I had taken the mask off for a second, I was expected to pay a fine. I explained that the mask had been taken off only to unlock the phone that required my face image to open the lock and had been immediately put back on. These explanations did not work for him and he started talking to me in a loud and aggressive tone and threatened to hand me over to the Delhi Police. He was joined by 2 other officials. Not one of them was a woman. Throughout the experience, I felt extremely intimidated and scared for my life. In fact, the other women tried to intervene to calm him down but to no effect.

Being a frequent traveller, I do understand the importance of the COVID guidelines. Therefore, I also paid the fine as attached below.

While the whole country is working towards providing a safe environment for women, it would appear that DMRC flying squads are on an overdrive to thwart that. I am considering filing an FIR against DMRC under IPC 509 for using words and gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

I am attaching a photo of the aforementioned official receipt of the fine. I would like an explanation for why male officials were allowed to board the ladies compartment.

I sincerely hope that the authorities take action on this and I am not forced to file an FIR on the same.

Looking forward to a speedy explanation and action.