The incident happened at Rajajinagar metro station on February 18. It came to light after a video showing security staffers denying entry to the aged man citing his attire after completing his security check went viral on social media.It was said that the passenger had bought the ticket to travel but was stopped by the staff at the security gate.
As per the social media posts, a metro passenger Karthik C Airani came to the rescue of the aged person and argued with the staff for denying him entry.
In the viral video, a man is heard saying, “Metro security staff is not allowing the person because of his soiled attire. They scanned his bag and found nothing. Staff is not allowing him by saying that other passengers will be embarrassed. Is this a transport system for VIPs? He has bought tickets. He does not have money; he is wearing clothes that he can afford. I am well-dressed, will they allow me to travel free of cost?”
Meanwhile, another passenger is also seen intervening, asking security staff not to restrict entry. He is heard saying that the affected passenger is a farmer from a village.
Later, Karthik accompanied the passenger to the platform area. As per a BMRCL official, the passenger travelled from Rajajinagar to Majestic.
The alleged act of security staff drew sharp rebuke from the general public, Sharath C said, “It is highly deplorable that security staff denied entry on the grounds of passenger’s attire. People from all walks of life should be allowed to travel and there should not be any discrimination. The BMRCL management should train security on how to behave and be courteous with the passenger.”
“Namma Metro is an inclusive public transport. The Rajajinagar incident has been probed and the service of the security supervisor is terminated. The BMRCL regrets the inconvenience caused to the passenger,” Chief PRO of the BMRCL B L Yeshwanth Chavan said in a statement.