Viral Video: Online fury and calls for action have been sparked by a viral video showing a bearded old man in a skull cap smacking the backsides of women repeatedly at a busy railway station. The short clip, which went viral on social media Thursday, shows the man approaching several female commuters, tapping them while clicking his fingers on a small device, sparking concern from onlookers.
Bystanders rush in, video posted online
The footage, shot on a platform at a major city railway station, seems to show station staff and passengers reacting in shock as some women confront the man and tell him to stop. In the video, one woman is seen turning and pushing him away while another calls for help. Some bystanders tried to hold him back until security staff arrived. The man looks uninjured but bewildered in the clip.
Probe launched by authorities
Railway authorities said in a brief statement that they had opened an inquiry to find out the exact time and place of the incident and were working with local police. “The safety and dignity of passengers is a priority, and strict action would be taken if the suspect is identified,” the statement said. Multiple tips poured in as soon as the clip surfaced, with local police confirming officers were reviewing footage from station cameras and witness statements.
Calls for safety improvements and legal action
Viral Video: Social media users condemned the behaviour as invasive and a form of harassment. Hashtags calling for arrests and increased safety at transit hubs trended regionally within hours of the video being posted. A number of local activists and women’s rights groups called for the immediate lodging of complaints, a quick response from the police and better CCTV coverage and patrolling at stations. Legal experts said the alleged acts could be brought under clauses on sexual harassment and outraging modesty, and called on victims to file formal complaints.
