A gutka-smeared seat on a Delhi Metro train has gone viral, igniting outrage over public hygiene and civic irresponsibility. The image, posted on Reddit on Saturday, shows a bright red stain of chewed tobacco splattered across a fabric seat at Azadpur station—one of the busiest interchanges on the Yellow Line. The original poster, clearly frustrated, wrote, “Saw this at Azadpur Metro today. Someone literally spat gutka all over the seat. Idk how retarded you have to be to do something like this.” Within hours, the post garnered hundreds of upvotes and comments, with users labelling the act “disgusting”, “unacceptable”, and a “real menace to society”.
The commuter went on to criticise the mindset behind such behaviour, stating, “I honestly don’t understand how people need privileges like public transport and still treat it like a gutter.” They argued that the Delhi Metro—widely regarded as a symbol of modern, efficient urban mobility—is meant to be a clean, shared space, not a dumping ground for personal vices. Many responders echoed this sentiment, pointing out that such actions not only degrade the commuting experience but also reinforce negative stereotypes about public behaviour in India. One user commented, “This is why we can’t have nice things,” while another called for immediate on-the-spot fines and public shaming via CCTV footage.
Despite a 2012 ban on gutka and spitting in public places in Delhi—with penalties up to Rs 1,000—enforcement remains inconsistent. The Delhi government extended the prohibition on smokeless tobacco products in 2022, yet incidents persist, especially in high-traffic metro stations. Health experts warn that gutka, a carcinogenic blend of tobacco, areca nut, and slaked lime, contributes to over 1.3 million tobacco-related deaths annually in India, according to the World Health Organization. Beyond health risks, the staining is notoriously difficult to clean, requiring special solvents and often damaging seat fabrics, increasing maintenance costs for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
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The DMRC, which operates over 390 kilometres of track and serves more than 6 million passengers daily, maintains strict cleanliness protocols, including round-the-clock housekeeping and automated cleaning systems. However, the sheer volume of commuters—especially during peak hours—makes real-time monitoring challenging. Azadpur station, located in a densely populated commercial and residential hub, sees heavy footfall, making it a frequent site for such violations. While CCTV cameras are installed across the network, identifying and penalising offenders in crowded trains remains a logistical hurdle.
Social media users have tagged the DMRC and Delhi government officials, demanding stronger deterrence. Suggestions include increasing fines to Rs 5,000, deploying plainclothes vigilance teams, and launching awareness campaigns in regional languages. Some have proposed installing spit-guard screens or using stain-resistant, easy-to-clean seat materials. The incident has also sparked broader conversations about civic education, with users arguing that behavioural change must begin in schools and communities, not just through punitive measures.
As the post continues to circulate across platforms like X and Instagram, it serves as a stark reminder of the gap between infrastructure excellence and public conduct. The Delhi Metro has transformed urban mobility since its inception in 2002, earning global praise for punctuality and design. Yet, incidents like this threaten its reputation and passenger trust. Until enforcement is tightened and cultural norms evolve, such acts of vandalism will remain a persistent challenge in India’s journey toward cleaner, more responsible public spaces.
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