Delhi Metro Passenger Says Senior Citizen Slapped Him After Charger Accidentally Fell on Him

A viral Reddit post has ignited debate on social media over public behaviour and etiquette in the Delhi Metro after a passenger alleged that he was slapped by a senior citizen following a minor accident involving a phone charger.

The post, shared on the popular online forum, detailed an uncomfortable encounter between two commuters on a crowded Delhi Metro train. According to the author, the altercation began when his phone charger accidentally slipped from his hands and fell on an elderly man sitting nearby.

Passenger Describes Unexpected Confrontation

Recounting the incident, the commuter wrote,

“I was standing in the metro, charging my phone. Because of the metro’s turbulence, my charger slipped and fell on a senior citizen sitting below. I immediately said sorry, but he got really angry and lightly slapped me while cussing.”

The man said that despite apologizing immediately, the senior citizen reacted aggressively, leading to an argument between the two.

“I lost my temper and said, ‘Kya ho gaya?’ and we argued until a random metro guy stepped in and diverted me. I even told him, ‘Umar ka lihaaz kar raha hoon,’ and honestly, if he wasn’t old, I might have slapped back,” he continued.

The altercation reportedly ended after another passenger intervened to calm the situation.

Social Media Reactions and Broader Debate

The post quickly gained traction on social media, prompting discussions about acceptable behaviour in public transport, respect for elders, and handling conflicts in crowded urban spaces.

While some users empathized with the young commuter, saying that physical aggression is unacceptable under any circumstances, others defended the senior citizen, suggesting that the incident may have startled him.

One Reddit user wrote, “Violence isn’t justified, but maybe the old man was just shocked. Still, both should’ve de-escalated.” Another commented, “This is why we need to teach public etiquette, not just to the youth but to everyone who uses public transport.”

Delhi Metro’s Code of Conduct

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) encourages passengers to maintain civility and patience while travelling. Its guidelines emphasize avoiding confrontation, giving priority seating to senior citizens, and respecting fellow commuters.

The incident, while minor, reflects the growing challenges of managing decorum in crowded urban transport systems like the Delhi Metro, which carries over six million passengers daily.

As discussions continue online, the story serves as a reminder of how small moments of frustration in public spaces can quickly spiral into larger conflicts — and why empathy remains crucial in everyday interactions.