Is Mo Bus Safe? Asks Girl in Bhubaneswar after Creepy Experience

Bhubaneswar: The experience of a young girl inside a Mo Bus again described the pathetic state of safety of females in this public transport operating in the capital city and its periphery. Recently, a girl named Garima Panigrahi shared her creepiest experience of traveling on Mo Bus. This message has evoked a sense of fear among the passengers, women particularly.

The girl took over Twitter to share her experience where she wrote in a thread:

“Today (Nov 1) I was traveling alone using the Mo Bus number 12 of the CRUT from Jaydev Vihar to The World square. An old and drunk man had also entered the bus. Though denied entry by the conductor at first, he was persistent and came in anyway. After I was given my ticket, when the old man was asked for his destination he said, “I will go where my gelhi (usually a word of affection for the young girls in the family) is going.” When I looked at him because I could tell he was referring to me he said, “Kana anauchu kana” (why are you staring). And then he went on to keep rambling on about how I am like his natuni (granddaughter) and he will go where I go. I still cannot say for sure that he was referring to me. But when I felt uncomfortable and went and stood near the driver, the man came and stood right behind me and I kept on looking to make sure he doesn’t touch me. He still kept rambling on. It was my fault that I did not say anything at this point, anxiety took over. I kept looking around to see if there’s anyone who would help out if I spoke up. After this the conductor decided to intervene and told the man to get down at the next station, which was also where I was supposed to get down anyway. I again moved back to the end of the bus to get down from the other door and almost ran back home. I haven’t felt this unsafe even while travelling in Delhi buses and that is saying something.”

After I was given my ticket, when the old man was asked for his destination he said, "I'll go where my gelhi (usually a word of affection for the young girls in the family) is going." When I looked at him bec i could tell he was referring to me he said,

— Garima (@garimapanigrahi) November 1, 2022

CRUT authorities immediately responded to the tweet, “Ma’am, we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. Regular counseling with special focus on gender-sensitive passenger management is provided to the crew to ensure safe commute for all. In case of any concern while commuting in Mo Bus, please reach out to the Guide immediately.”

This incident has evoked fear in minds of people regarding their safety while commuting from place to place.