Pune–Delhi Train Trip Turns Disturbing: Teen Shares ‘Creepy’ Staring Incident, Sends Video Home for Safety
Pune–Delhi Train Trip Turns Disturbing: Teen Shares ‘Creepy’ Staring Incident, Sends Video Home for Safety
An unsettling train journey from Pune to Delhi has sparked fresh conversations around women’s safety during long-distance travel in India. An 18-year-old student, travelling alone for academic reasons, recently recounted how a fellow passenger’s behaviour left her anxious and frightened throughout the 32-hour journey.
The teenager described how a man seated in the same coach repeatedly stared at her for hours on end. According to her account, his actions went beyond uncomfortable eye contact — she alleged that he made strange facial expressions, used inappropriate gestures, and even mimed making a phone call while looking directly at her.
Disturbed by his conduct, the young woman discreetly recorded a short video of the man. The clip reportedly shows him seated on an upper side berth, his laptop open, frequently glancing in her direction. Fearing for her safety, she immediately sent the video to her mother and sister to keep them informed.
‘He Didn’t Stop, No Matter What I Was Doing’
In her detailed post on Reddit, the girl explained that the man’s behaviour continued relentlessly. Whether she was sitting, lying down, or trying to sleep, she claimed his gaze never left her. Feeling helpless and unsure of how to react, she turned to the online community for advice after her family suggested she ignore the situation to avoid any potential escalation.
“So, I (18F) was travelling to Pune from Delhi alone due to study purposes,” she wrote. “This creepy guy was constantly staring at me since I’ve been on the train. It was a 32-hour travel, and he kept staring whether I was sitting, lying down, or sleeping. He was making creepy gestures and even did a call gesture. I sent a video to my mom and sister because I was scared. My mom told me to ignore it as she was scared too. I don’t know whether I should ignore it or take some action.”
Internet Reacts: Mixed Advice but Strong Support
Her post quickly gained traction, with users offering a mix of caution and proactive solutions. While some echoed her mother’s advice, urging her not to confront the man directly, others strongly recommended involving railway authorities.
One user commented that it was safer not to engage, noting that trains are usually crowded and fellow passengers often step in if something goes wrong. Another advised her to approach the Railway Protection Force (RPF) or inform the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at the next station.
Several users also shared a step-by-step guide on how to report such incidents through official channels. They suggested tagging Indian Railways Seva, RPF, and IRCTC on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), explaining that authorities verify details confidentially using the PNR number and often arrange immediate assistance, including RPF personnel checking on the passenger at the next station.
Strangers Step In When Fear Peaks
In an update shared later, the teenager revealed that the man continued staring at her, intensifying her discomfort. Eventually, she gathered the courage to speak to nearby passengers — two women and two men. While the women advised her against confronting the man directly, they reassured her and stayed with her at the station until their families arrived.
After they left, one of the men remained with her, ensuring she safely boarded an auto-rickshaw. Reflecting on the experience, the girl wrote that the incident showed her both sides of society — those who make spaces unsafe and those who step up to protect strangers without hesitation.
“I just know that the world actually has both… some creepy men who’ll stare at you and people who’ll still defend them, and also people like that Sardar guy who will make sure you are safe in such an environment.”
