Kanteerava Scare: Men peep into women’s toilet, bang doors
- Women athletes practicing in the Kanteerava Stadium have expressed concern over their safety
- Women’s toilets, washrooms are occupied by men
- Men peep inside toilet and bang the toilet doors, when used by girls
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The incidents of harassment of female athletes at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru are on the rise. Now, girls coming for practice there are alleging that men peep inside the rest rooms through windows and bang the doors.
Archana, a state-level athlete from Jain College, who regularly practices at the Kanteerava Stadium, explained how women athletes are harassed at Kanteerava Stadium.
Although there are four toilets for women athletes, they never feel comfortable using them as there is no security. "People stand near the window of the toilet and peep inside. Many-a-times men bang the ladies toilet doors. I along with some other female athletes have experienced this. Despite complaints, there is no action taken," said Archana.
Hooligans and hoodlums gain entrance inside the stadium and they call out names of women athletes when they are practicing. The ladies there have expressed concerns about being filmed. The part of the stadium where national-level athletes practice is completely neglected.
Swathi, a tennis player also recalled her worst experience at Kanteerava stadium. She said, "I have to change my dress before the practice session begins. But the three washrooms meant for women were occupied by men and I was in the fourth room changing my dress, when a man literally walked inside. When I confronted, him he said, he did not see the sign board. It was very embarrassing," said Swathi.
Director of the Sports and Youth Empowerment Department, Anupam Agarwal said that he had directed the in-charge of the stadium issue identity cards and to allow only sportspersons and their parents inside.
"Even sportspersons from other departments like Forest, Provident Fund staff and others are allowed to practice here. They are all educated. But recently, we received complaints that even they have started using the ladies toilet. We have given strict instructions to their team heads that if such incidents are repeated, they will be held responsible and taken to task," Anupam Agarwal said.
