An 18-year-old woman travelling alone on an Indian Railways train from Delhi to Pune shared a video documenting repeated harassment by a fellow passenger.
Posting on Reddit, she described how the man’s behaviour continued throughout the 32-hour journey, regardless of whether she was sitting, lying down, or asleep. She alleged that he stared at her for most of the trip, made “creepy faces,” and used unsettling hand movements, including a “call gesture,” directed at her. Alarmed by the man’s behaviour, she recorded a video of him and shared it with her family as a precaution. The clip showed the man seated in the same compartment, repeatedly glancing in her direction. Her family’s response, however, left her uncertain, her mother advised her to ignore the behaviour. Unsure how to proceed, the woman later posted the video on Reddit, seeking advice on whether to let it go or take further action.
"So I (18f) 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, lying down, or sleeping he was constantly looking and making faces. He was making creepy gestures by watching me...and even did a call gesture. 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. I don't know; should I ignore it, or if I don't, then what action should I take?" she wrote.
The post quickly gained traction, prompting a wave of responses from fellow users who urged her to speak up instead of suffering in silence. Many advised her to report the incident immediately through the RailMadad app or by calling 139 to alert the Railway Protection Force, pointing out that the video could serve as crucial evidence when authorities intervene.
A user wrote, "Keep more recordings of his stares with you. And then politely ask him if he knows you as he's been looking at you for long. If he says he doesn't, ask him not to stare at you as it makes you feel uncomfortable. If he continues despite that, register a complaint on Rail Madad or dial 139 and report him. When RPF comes, you have enough evidence on your phone to support your statement."
Another wrote, "Ask the TT to swap seats. Also I carry a pepper spray with me all time just for safety purposes."
