‘Violation of human rights’: NHRC notice to govt, BMRCL after farmer denied entry into Bengaluru metro

A farmer was denied entry into a metro train by an official at Bengaluru's Rajajinagar station reportedly over “improper attire”

The video of the incident went viral on social media and drew much criticism. (X/@DeepakN172)

Days after a farmer was denied entry into a metro train by an official at Bengaluru’s Rajajinagar station reportedly over “improper attire”, the National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident.

The rights panel, in a statement, observed that the reported incident “amounts to a violation of human rights.” “No person can be denied access to public transport based on the nature of the clothes he or she is wearing,” it said and added that if someone possesses any objectionable material, he could be stopped only as per the provisions of the law.

The video of the incident went viral on social media and drew much criticism.

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On Saturday, X user Deepak N shared a video of an incident at Rajajinagar Metro station where a farmer was refused entry. He posted it saying, “UNBELIEVABLE..! Is the metro only for VIPs? Is there a dress code to use Metro? I appreciate the actions of Karthik C Airani, who fought for the right of a farmer at Rajajinagar metro station. We need more such heroes everywhere. @OfficialBMRCL trains your officials properly. #metro.”

UNBELIEVABLE..! Is metro only for VIPs? Is there a dress code to use Metro?
I appreciate actions of Karthik C Airani, who fought for the right of a farmer at Rajajinagar metro station. We need more such heroes everywhere. @OfficialBMRCL train your officials properly. #metro pic.twitter.com/7SAZdlgAEH

— Deepak N (@DeepakN172) February 24, 2024

The NHRC also issued notices to the Karnatka Chief Secretary, and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director seeking a detailed report within four weeks. the report should also include the steps taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of the reported stopping of a farmer from boarding the metro train by an official due to his untidy attire. The Commission observes no one can be denied access to public transport based on his attire. pic.twitter.com/HefTV3nPy5

— NHRC India (@India_NHRC) February 28, 2024

Meanwhile, the BMRCL has said that it terminated the services of the security supervisor involved in the incident.

In a statement issued on Monday, the BMRCL said, “Namma Metro is an inclusive public transport. The Rajajinagar incident is probed & the services of the security supervisor is terminated. BMRCL regrets the inconvenience caused to the Passenger.”

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