With every passing day, concerns around women’s safety in India continue to increase. Recently, an 18-year-old girl took to social media to share a harrowing experience she had while travelling alone from
Pune to Delhi by train. She detailed how a man in the same coach made her journey extremely uncomfortable with his untoward behaviour.
She took to social media to describe her experience during the 32-hour-long journey. According to her post, she alleged harassment, claiming that the man made unsettling facial expressions, inappropriate gestures and at one point, even mimicked a phone-call gesture. The girl also posted a short video of the man, sitting on the upper berth on the side, his laptop on and glancing at her as she filmed him.
The Girl Shared That The Man Kept Staring At Her No Matter What She Did
She mentioned that his behaviour continued regardless of what she was doing, whether sitting, lying down or even sleeping. Feeling scared, she recorded him on her phone and sent it to her family, who advised her to ignore the situation out of concern for her safety. Unsure what to do next, she posted the clip on Reddit, asking other users what action she should take next.
In the post titled, “Had a creep encounter,” the girl said, “So, I (18 F) was travelling to Pune from Delhi alone due to study purposes this creepy guy was constantly staring at me since I’ve been in the train and the it was 32 hour travel he was constantly staring even when I was sitting, laying down, or sleeping he was constantly looking and making faces he is making creepy gestures by watching me…and even did a call gesture.”
She continued, “I sent a video to my mom and sister because I was scared and for safety purposes, my mom told me to ignore and not do anything as she was also scared idk should I ignore or if I don’t, then what action should I take?”
A Section Of People Online Asked Her To File A Complaint
Her post quickly drew attention online. While some advised her to report the incident to Indian Railways, others sided with her family’s suggestion and urged her to remain silent until she is off the train. “No wrong. Never engage with such people. She should take her mother’s advice and ignore. The train is usually filled with people, and most will help her in case of any ill incident,” said one user.
“File a complaint to RPF..They will help you when the train reaches the next station..And inform TTE too,” another individual suggested.
A different person shared steps on how to file a complaint, writing, “Post this on Twitter (X), tag the Indian Railways seva, RPF and IRCTC. They will send you a link. Don’t worry, through this link, they will verify your PNR and ask for a few details, which will be kept confidential. You’ll receive a call and speak to them. The very next station, RPF personnel will be doing rounds in your coach. A TTE on duty inside the train will come to you to make sure your travel is safe. Trust me, this is a very credible approach, and Railways take these kinds of cases with top priority.”
Had a creep encounter
byu/Technical-Rent-5999 inindianrailways
The Girl Shared An Update About The Incident
In the comments, the 18-year-old shared an update on the incident, revealing that the man continued to stare at her, leaving her extremely uncomfortable. This prompted her to confide in her fellow passengers, two women and two men. She said the women advised her against confronting the man and assured her they would stay with her at the station until she found a cab. After the women left with their family members, one of the men remained with her until she safely got into an auto.
She mentioned, “I just know that the world actually has both…some creepy m—s who’ll stare at you and people will still defend him and also people like that sardar guy who will make sure you are safe in such an environment.”
