A 45-year-old housekeeper from Belagavi, Muthappa, allegedly molested a 25-year-old fashion designer from Arekere on a crowded Bengaluru Metro train near Kempegowda (Majestic) station on December 23, repeatedly touching her leg and body while intoxicated and smiling at her provocatively, prompting her to slap him twice, confront him publicly, alert security, and escort him to Upparpet Police Station. Police filed a non-cognisable report (NCR) for indecent behaviour, confirmed his drunken state, accepted his public apology, and released him with a warning after noting his details, citing his age and lack of prior complaints.
Victim’s Harrowing Ordeal in Crowded Metro
The incident unfolded during the evening rush hour on the Namma Metro’s Green Line, a lifeline for Bengaluru’s daily commuters navigating the city’s relentless traffic.
The woman, returning home from work as a fashion designer, recounted in her Instagram video how Muthappa, who had been on the train for nearly an hour, began pressing his body against her leg despite the crowded conditions leaving little room to manoeuvre.
“I froze first, then slapped him,” she said, describing the initial shock that paralysed her before instinct took over she struck him once inside the train and again on the platform at Majestic station after he continued smiling at her erratically.
Deeply disturbed, she shifted seats multiple times, but the man persisted, even as she captured video evidence of his behaviour post-confrontation. Metro security personnel intervened swiftly at the station, where Muthappa publicly apologised, falling at the feet of fellow commuters in a dramatic display of remorse.
Undeterred, the victim demanded accountability, leading him directly to Upparpet Police Station. Her account highlights the vulnerability women face in public transport, where personal space evaporates amid peak-hour throngs, turning routine journeys into potential nightmares.
Police Protocol and Competing Narratives
Upparpet police registered an NCR under relevant sections for inappropriate behaviour upon the duo’s arrival, conducting preliminary checks that revealed Muthappa, a housekeeper at a private firm in Bengaluru was heavily intoxicated, unsteady on his feet, and reeking of alcohol.
After counselling him and securing a fresh apology, officers issued a stern warning, recorded his personal details for future reference, and released him, deeming the matter non-cognisable without intent for grievous harm or escalation.
A senior police official refuted claims of inaction in statements to media outlets, emphasising procedural transparency: “We thoroughly examined the complaint and repeatedly asked the victim to file a formal FIR for deeper investigation, but her parents intervened at the station, counselling her against it to avoid prolonged hassle.”
Officers added that Metro CCTV footage from the train and station is under active review, with readiness to act if new evidence or complaints emerge. This response underscores a reliance on victim cooperation for escalation, even as it draws scrutiny over balancing leniency with public safety in minor harassment cases.
Broader Context of Metro Safety Challenges
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro, lauded for easing urban congestion since its expansion, has faced recurring harassment complaints, from secret filming scandals earlier in 2025 to opportunistic groping in overcrowded coaches.
This case echoes prior incidents where intoxication and public remorse led to warnings rather than arrests, prompting calls for dedicated women-only coaches, panic buttons, and AI-monitored surveillance.
Muthappa’s backstory as a migrant worker from Belagavi adds layers many such labourers endure long hours and isolation, sometimes turning to alcohol, though experts stress this neither excuses nor contextualises violations.
The victim’s bold video, now viewed thousands of times, has ignited online debates on police empathy versus accountability, with women’s safety groups urging stricter protocols. No FIR has materialised, and as of December 27, police report no follow-up from the woman, leaving the case in limbo amid Bengaluru’s swelling commuter base of over 7 lakh daily riders.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While intoxication and age may explain lapses in judgement, they cannot justify invading personal boundaries in shared public spaces, where women’s trust hangs by a thread.
True harmony demands zero-tolerance systems mandatory FIRs for physical harassment, real-time CCTV alerts, and gender-sensitive training for security that blend empathy for root causes like addiction with unyielding accountability to deter repeat offenders and empower victims.
