American Tourist Faces Sexual Harassment on Delhi Metro
An American woman experienced a disturbing incident of sexual harassment while traveling on the Delhi Metro. A teenage boy groped her after she agreed to take a photo with him. The boy's mother and sister then defended his actions in a shocking display of victim blaming.
Professor Shares Former Student's Harrowing Account
Gaurav Sabnis, an Indian-origin professor at New Jersey's Stevens Institute of Technology, shared the woman's detailed account on social media platform X. Sabnis had previously warned his former student about potential risks during her India trip for a friend's wedding.
"When this former student called me in November for suggestions for her India trip for a friend's wedding, I told her, be on guard for sexual harassment," Sabnis wrote. "Especially in Delhi. Here, you're just another blond. There, you'll be a target. Sadly, it came true."
The Disturbing Incident Unfolds
The woman described how her otherwise positive eight-day India trip turned sour because of one traumatic event. "While my colleagues and hosts were great and I had a fun memorable 8 days in India, there was one unfortunate and ugly incident," she wrote. "That just soured my mood so much that I was withdrawn and depressed for a couple of days."
She detailed the encounter at a Delhi Metro station. "A teenage boy, maybe 14 or 15, at a Delhi Metro station just ruined it forever. He was with his mom and sister so thought okay why not. He puts an arm on my shoulder. Weird but okay, he's a teenager."
The situation quickly escalated. "And then, professor, he just straight up grabbed my breasts hard and spanked my butt and giggled like he had played a joke."
Family's Shocking Defense
When the woman reacted strongly, pushing the boy away, his family responded with excuses rather than apologies. "I pretty much EXPLODED in anger, grabbing him by the collar and pushing him away," she recounted. "He fell and his mother started getting upset at me saying I was 'overreacting'. That he had never met a blond lady up close so he got 'carried away'."
The woman expressed her disappointment with this response. "What kind of parenting is that? I loved your country and I wish I could say return, but don't think ever will. In fact I'm going to give all of South Asia a pass."
Social Media Reacts Strongly
Social media users widely condemned the family's defense of the teenager's actions. Many described it as enabling behavior and clear victim blaming. Numerous commenters emphasized that molestation constitutes a serious crime under Indian law.
Some users suggested filing an official police complaint against the teenager. Other Indians offered apologies on behalf of the boy and his family, expressing shame about the incident.
One commenter shared similar experiences. "I know exactly what you mean. Whenever my daughter travelled in India, she was left deeply bewildered—why people spoke to her while staring at her chest instead of meeting her eyes, why they asked for selfies as if she were an object rather than a person, and why so many felt entitled to touch, feel, or grab her. The experience was confusing, unsettling, and profoundly violating."
Another user criticized the mother's response. "Most unfortunate. The over protective mother’s reaction is highly condemnable and a major factor in moulding the way men behave."
A third comment highlighted regional patterns. "Victim blaming is a common thing in North India especially" and "'Overreacting' what a disgusting reaction from the lady, instead of reprimanding her kid."
Broader Implications for Tourism and Safety
This incident raises serious questions about women's safety in public transportation systems. It also highlights how cultural attitudes toward foreign visitors can sometimes enable inappropriate behavior. The woman's decision to avoid returning to India and South Asia altogether demonstrates the lasting impact such experiences can have on tourism perceptions.
Many social media discussions focused on the need for better public awareness about consent and appropriate behavior. The incident serves as a reminder that sexual harassment remains a significant concern in crowded public spaces.
