Don't support moral policing, says Kolkata Metro after couple beaten up for publicly hugging each other

In a blatant case of moral policing, a couple boarding the Kolkata metro were abused and beaten up for allegedly 'standing too close' and hugging each other. The pictures of the young couple being beaten up in Dum Dum Metro station in Kolkata has gone viral. According to eye witnesses and pictures, mostly middle aged and elderly men tried to impose their 'moral values' on the young couple. Since the couple refused to comply, the guy was beaten up amidst frantic effort from the girl to protect him.  In the process, the girl too was beaten up. 

Kolkata Metro has now issued a statement after massive uproar on social media about the incident. Metro Rail Kolkata has said, " Dear commuters, we are trying to enquire into an incident which has allegedly taken place y'day at Dumdum Metro stn. No complaint has been lodged by anyone as yet .However we are trying to get to the bottom of it....... But we would like to make one thing very clear... that Metro Rly IS AGAINST MORAL POLICING ". 

According to reports, a section of commuters were angry with the couple for public display of affection. They asked the couple to desist from hugging, and heated words were exchanged. By the time, the metro train reached Dum Dum station, large number of predominantly middle aged commuters had made up their mind to beat up the guy. And accordingly, he was dragged to the ground in the station and people started pouncing on him. Finally some youth protested and managed to save the couple from further public lynching and humiliation. 

The incident has left civil society of Kolkata shell-shocked. Long known for its liberal roots, this incident has truly shown an ugly illiberal side which the city can definitely eschew.