Two men believed to be foreign nationals allegedly attempted to trespass into the Kadugodi Metro depot near Whitefield on Thursday, reportedly to draw graffiti on metro coaches.
According to sources, the duo used a rope ladder to scale the nearly 15-foot-high compound wall of the depot. Security personnel on duty noticed them midway through the climb. On seeing guards approach, the men quickly climbed down and attempted to flee the spot.
Locals raise alarm
The two were confronted by a cowherd, Shivu, and his friend nearby. However, suspecting that the men could be armed, the locals refrained from physically detaining them and instead alerted security staff at the depot gates.
Shivu later stated that the men spoke in English, which he could not understand. At the time of the incident, a train belonging to Namma Metro was stationed inside the depot.
FIR registered, probe on
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) filed a complaint at the Kadugodi police station, stating that two unidentified foreign nationals attempted trespassing. An FIR has been registered, and investigations are underway.
Officials said the exact motive behind the attempt would become clear only after detailed questioning and verification of identities. “Their nationality, ideology and intentions will be known once enquiries progress,” a source noted.
Authorities also pointed out that similar graffiti-related incidents involving foreign nationals have been reported in the past. In September 2022, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad detained four Italian citizens for painting graffiti on a metro train parked inside a depot ahead of a major public event.
Security has since been tightened at the Kadugodi depot as police continue their probe.