A disturbing account of alleged sexual harassment on the Delhi Metro has triggered widespread outrage online after an American woman claimed she was groped by a teenage boy, with his family allegedly defending his actions.
Alleged assault after photo request
The incident came to light after Gaurav Sabnis, a professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, shared the woman’s experience on X. Sabnis said the woman was a former student who had contacted him for travel advice ahead of a friend’s wedding in India. He had warned her to be cautious, particularly in Delhi, anticipating unwanted attention.
According to the text shared by Sabnis, the woman said she agreed to take a photo with a teenage boy at a Delhi Metro station, as he was accompanied by his mother and sister. She alleged that the boy first put his arm around her shoulder and then suddenly grabbed her breasts and slapped her buttocks, laughing as if it were a prank.
Family’s response draws criticism
The woman said she reacted angrily, pushing the boy away. However, she claimed his mother accused her of overreacting, saying the boy had never seen a “blonde woman” up close and had “got carried away”. The response left the woman deeply shaken, prompting her to say she would avoid future travel to India and South Asia.
Social media condemns ‘enabling’ behaviour
The account sparked strong reactions on social media, with many users calling the alleged act a serious criminal offence and criticising the family’s response as enabling misconduct. Several users expressed regret and apologised on behalf of Indians, while others urged that a police complaint should have been filed.
Renewed focus on women’s safety
The episode has once again brought the spotlight on women’s safety in public spaces and the role of parenting and social attitudes in preventing harassment. Observers stressed that accountability and zero tolerance are essential, regardless of age, to ensure safer public transport for all.