Thread by @smitha_tk

For the past 10 years, I've traveled by public transport & I often tells my friends how safe I feel though I travel alone all the time. But it is days like today when I realize I am wrong. Some men do think it is okay to grab a woman's legs as she is sleeping in an overnight bus

This 30 yr old man was staring and smiling weirdly the entire time. Even though the curtains were drawn I noticed his glance a couple of times. At 3am he grabbed the legs & even after I looked, he didn't flinch. He just stared back with a creepy smile, like he was coming for more

I shouted him asking why he thought it was okay to touch another woman & not even feel any remorse or regret. The bus had just 10 other men traveling in it & 2 of them asked what happened. But that's it. He continues to lie down in the berth next to me while I nervously type this

A man just told me that he had funded this guy's ticket as he didn't have any money. And so since he didn't know about him, I should let it go. Another man: 'Only held her leg. Nothing else happened?' The conductor has informed the bus owner (don't know what good that's gonna do)

He has been made to switch berths. When I told I am a journalist, (had to pull the card to ensure minimum security), conductor requested I make no deal about this & that they'll take care of it. Every horror story I've read about a woman traveling alone is flashing in front of me

Another woman. Another day. Another man. Thought the men on the bus will question him. He should be removed from the bus & handed over to the cops to speak some sense into him. But honestly I am scared cos this bus only has men. Sadly being grateful that that is all that happened

For everyone saying - shout, create a scene, drag him out. I did shout, I spoke sense, I informed everyone on the bus. And this is all the reaction that I got. I dont want another woman feeling this way. But don't think the 10 other men have any idea how it feels to sleep in fear

Dear men, when you walk, run, sit or stand, you never are worried about the female gaze. Cos of some of you, it feels like a hellfire everyday & it is shameful that men think they are entitled. Do you know how long it takes to overcome trauma & be strong? Sometimes never.

Why everyday ordeals need to be addressed:
1. Men should be punished & taught that this is an equal world.
2. Spectators should stand up against crime perpetrated by their own sex. Today it is me, tomorrow could be your sister.

This is #TamilNadu which is supposedly safe!

Thank you for your kind words. I've reached safe. Conductor told me, 'Don't tell your family or anyone about this. I've informed the owner of the bus.' Told him that's none of his business. The abuser got off at the same stop & smilingly left. So glad I had family to pick me up.

Thank you @chennaipolice_ !! Your response has been very reassuring. Since yesterday noon, I've been getting calls from the Koyambedu police who were so sensitive about the entire issue. They've tracked the person and want to make sure the culprit is arrested and taught a lesson

Rajeshwari, Joint Commissoner West spoke to earnestly and assured action. She insisted that the man and the bus officials will be punished for making a woman feel unsafe. Thank you @chennaipolice_ for reinstating hope as this given me so much strength.

The way the police responded to the case and are dealing with this tells us why we should confidently file complaints so that there is no repeat offence. I have filed a complaint and I urge every one of you there to stand up and seek justice. @chennaipolice_