Chennai woman alleges regional abuse at airport

A lady passenger has alleged that she faced “regional” discrimination at Delhi’s international airport last month. The incident was reported on August 18 when Nila Dharshni returned from Frankfurt to Chennai on an Indian airline and had a stopover at the Indira Gandhi International Airport for four hours. She alleged that her phone was stolen from Terminal 3 washroom and a suspect, member of airport staff who according to her had stolen her mobile phone, allegedly dismissed her gruffly because of her colour.

Sources said, the incident occurred at noon when Ms Nila went to the washroom near gate number A-11 and placed her mobile near the mirror and stepped out without taking it. About two minutes later, when she returned to collect her mobile phone, the staff, a lady who was inside the washroom, had allegedly taken her phone.

In her complaint Ms Nila has claimed that the accused confessed to her misconduct. The accused allegedly told Ms Nila: “You are a Madrasi, nothing can be done in this airport and your boarding is open, go on.”

Ms Nila told this newspaper over the phone that she had even complained to the security personnel, but none of them took any action. They didn’t even frisk the accused.

She said in her complaint, “This is not a matter of money, but security. Also, this country belongs to all irrespective of the region one comes from. No one can look down upon the other or demean the region they belong to.”

The police has filed a complaint and is investigating the matter.