Kerala: A Kerala-based content creator has shared a video capturing harassment during a bus journey, highlighting the issue of public misconduct towards women. The video, posted on Instagram by user angel__baby0, shows a man repeatedly staring at her inappropriately despite being aware she is watching him.
Incident during the bus ride
In the video, the woman, dressed in a traditional Kerala saree, sits in an overcrowded bus while a middle-aged man beside her continuously stares at her. At times, the man looks away briefly but shamelessly resumes his behaviour. The content creator records the incident using her phone’s selfie camera.
“If you look at me the wrong way, your eyes will pop out. That’s what I said like a tigress, I got off the bus. Onam with pride,” she captioned the post. “The reason I’m posting this reel is because some people say that dressing is the problem! In this video, I’m fully covered, dressed modestly, like a traditional girl. So now tell me, is it still about the way I dress? It’s about how you choose to look.”
Reaction to inappropriate touching
In the comments section, she revealed that the man later touched her inappropriately. Reacting immediately, she hit him, forcing him to get off the bus and flee the scene. The creator emphasised, “I’m saying this with full confidence, there was absolutely nothing wrong with my outfit. This is a mental illness, a perversion!”
Netizens respond
The video triggered strong reactions from social media users. One follower commented, “Hit right in the middle of the drama and finish them off.” Another wrote, “Avg day as a woman…even if u r fully clothed.” A third added sarcastically, “Oh god… this is so uncomfortable… Why are you wearing a saree blouse? Wear a straitjacket instead. Oh sorry, you are a woman men will still molest you.”
Virality and public attention
The clip has gone viral, receiving over 3.3 lakh likes within a day of posting. It has sparked conversations around women’s safety in public transport and challenged the notion that women’s clothing is linked to harassment.
Experts note that reporting and documenting such incidents can act as a deterrent and raise awareness about the prevalence of harassment in public spaces. The creator’s post underlines that harassment is about the perpetrator’s choice, not the victim’s attire, and highlights the importance of societal accountability.
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