Namma Metro.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: The Banashankari police in South Bengaluru have registered a case after an Instagram account posted videos of women on the metro, recorded without their consent.
"An FIR has been booked in this regard at the Banashankari police station, and investigation is on,” said Lokesh B Jagalasar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South).
The account — metro_chicks — with over 5,900 followers, had shared voyeuristic videos of women commuters. When DH checked on Wednesday, all 13 videos had been deleted.
The police invoked Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 67 (publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the IT Act.
Sources said that efforts are on to trace the account operator and check for possible accomplices.
Metro riders say safety, privacy compromised
Regular Namma Metro women commuters said incidents like this show their safety can no longer be taken for granted.
The now-suspended Instagram handle had posted unsolicited clips of women passengers, triggering public outrage and fresh concerns over surveillance and cyber harassment.
"It is frightening to realise somebody may be recording you when you're just going to work," said Ayesha, 20, a tech employee who rides the Purple Line daily.
Nav, 34, another regular commuter, said, "I used to feel pretty comfortable on the metro. But now, I am questioning every look, every phone pointed my way."
Anusha, 25, who usually travels in the ladies’ compartment, added, "I feel safer there. It gives me a little more peace. But if I saw anything unusual, I'd report it."
There was criticism, too, of the delayed official response. "It should not take public outrage for authorities to act," said freelance designer Shree, 30.
While the FIR is seen as a welcome step, many say it’s overdue. "This is about dignity and boundaries," said Ayesha. "We deserve to ride the metro without being violated or turned into entertainment."