Sub-inspector jumps metro fare gates in show of 'power'

Police “power” was on display again at Dasarahalli metro station where a sub-inspector jumped over the fare gates and challenged the metro staffers to take action.

The incident took place two weeks ago, but came to light recently, days after a BMTC conductor was harassed by police after a woman constable was denied a free ride as she was not wearing the uniform.

Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit, two women constables had come to inspect Dasarahalli metro station on March 31. After their request for free entry was denied, they bought tokens and entered the station. The two returned to exit gates after an hour, which had attracted Rs 100 fine.

The constables returned with a sub-inspector the next day. “He demanded the reason for imposing fine. The metro staffers were explaining something, but he kept on yelling,” a commuter who witnessed the incident said.

According to the rule, passengers who return to the gates an hour after entry have to pay Rs 100 fine even if they have not used the metro.

A challenge

Sources said the sub-inspector yelled at the staffers and said he could enter the station whenever he wants. “The station controller was explaining the rules to him. He was not in a mood to listen and jumped over the fare collection gates. Standing inside the station, he challenged the controllers to ‘take action if she can’,” the source said.

The SI’s behaviour shocked many commuters and scared the metro staffers. “The staffers were visibly shaken. Throughout, they were trying to tell him about rules and procedure. He just yelled at them,” the commuter said.

A senior official in Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said clearances for free entry are given by operational control centre in Byappanhalli.

“The police do not have free entry. Of course, if they are chasing a criminal, nobody will ask them. Here, the officer jumps the gates only to demonstrate he is powerful,” he said.

When contacted, BMRCL Managing Director Ajay Seth said he was not aware of the issue.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, North division, N Shashi Kumar, said he would look into the incident and take appropriate action.

“I will speak to the competent authorities to sort out the issue. Both the BMRCL or police department are working in the interest of the public, and there should not be any misunderstanding between the organisations.