Bengaluru Metro: FIR over alleged secret recording of woman

In the videos shared online, the woman can be seen confronting a man she accused of recording her without permission.

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint by a woman who alleged that a fellow passenger secretly recorded her while travelling on the Namma Metro. The incident reportedly took place at around 4:30 pm on Tuesday in the Whitefield area. The case came to light after the woman, who identifies herself as Sowpika on Instagram, shared videos describing her experience on social media.

In the videos shared online, the woman can be seen confronting a man she accused of recording her without permission. She reportedly questioned him repeatedly, asking why he was filming her, and demanded that he unlock his mobile phone so she could check its contents.

Metro security personnel were also present during the confrontation. According to the woman’s account, the man allegedly attempted to leave when the train stopped at a station. She claimed that although his phone was handed over to security personnel, he managed to retrieve it and flee from the scene.

The woman also addressed comments about her clothing, stating that what she was wearing did not justify the alleged act. She emphasised that the incident should not be blamed on her choice of attire.

In another video, reportedly recorded inside a metro station lift, the woman can be seen asking the man whether he was willing to apologise and whether doing so would amount to admitting that he had recorded her. When she threatened to share the incident on social media, the man reportedly apologised but denied recording her.

The videos subsequently attracted attention online, prompting Bengaluru police to contact the woman. Police officials reportedly requested that she share the exact location of the incident and her contact details through a private message to facilitate further action.

Following the woman’s complaint, an FIR was registered at Kadugodi Police Station. The police have initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the accused.

In a subsequent social media update, Sowpika stated that she had visited the police station and that the police had registered a case based on her complaint. She also said that the authorities had assured her that the matter would be investigated promptly.

The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the man have not yet been independently established.