Man Behind 'Metro Chicks' Account Arrested for Secretly Filming Women at Bengaluru Metro Stations

The Bengaluru police have arrested the man behind the controversial Instagram account 'Metro Chicks', which had sparked outrage for posting objectionable videos of women secretly filmed at Namma Metro stations. The accused has been identified as 27-year-old Diganth, a native of Haveri, who was apprehended near Peenya by the Banashankari police. He was working in the accounts department of a private firm in Murugeshpalya.

The Instagram account, titled Bangalore Metro Clicks (@metro_chicks), had featured over a dozen clips showing women passengers being covertly recorded without their consent. The videos, uploaded with lewd captions and hashtags, drew sharp criticism from the public, activists, and lawmakers. Several posts had disabled comment sections and also linked to a Telegram channel with over 1,100 subscribers.

A concerned social media user had flagged the account on X (formerly Twitter), tagging the Bengaluru police and calling for urgent action. This triggered widespread outrage, with influencers, citizen groups, and even politicians joining the demand for accountability.

Reacting to the viral controversy, Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan called the act "a blatant violation of privacy and dignity" and urged police to act swiftly.

Following the backlash, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) issued a statement condemning the act. "We have come across an account on Instagram and Telegram where a user posted videos of women passengers without consent. A cyber complaint will be filed, and strict action will be taken. We do not tolerate any compromise on commuter safety," said BL Yashavanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer, BMRCL.

Despite CCTV cameras, security guards, and safety protocols at metro stations, this disturbing incident has reignited concerns over women's safety in public transport. BMRCL is now reportedly considering enhancing surveillance and increasing the number of women-only coaches on Namma Metro.

Acoording to reports, Diganth had created and posted over 13 such videos to gain views and grow his social media following. After his arrest, the videos and the Instagram account were deleted.

The Banashankari police registered a suo motu case and launched an investigation as soon as the videos surfaced. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed the arrest and assured further action under relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act.