'Just For 2 Minutes...': Wheelchair-Bound Woman Says Kolkata Airport Security Asked Her To Stand & Walk
A differently-abled woman claimed that, during security clearance at Kolkata airport, a security personnel asked her to stand up on thrice.
A differently-abled woman has accused the security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Kolkata airport of instructing her to "stand up" thrice and walk despite her instance that she had a "disability by birth". The woman named Arushi Singh shared the alleged incident on her X account. "Yesterday evening during the security clearance at Kolkata airport, the officer asked me (a wheelchair user) to stand up, not once but thrice," she posted on social media on February 1.
Yesterday evening during the security clearance at Kolkata airport, the officer asked me (a wheelchair user) to stand up, not once but thrice. First she asked me to get up and walk two steps into the kiosk. (1/1)
— Arushi Singh (@singhharushi) February 1, 2024
A law student Singh further claimed in her X post, "First she asked me to get up and walk two steps into the kiosk. Told her I can't as I have a disability. Inside she again asked me to stand up. I said I can't. She said sirf 2 minute khade ho jao (stand up for just two minutes). I explained again that I have a disability by birth."
Told her I can’t as I have a disability. Inside she again asked me to stand up. I said I can’t. She said sirf 2 minute khade ho jao. I explained again that I have a disability by birth. (2/1)
— Arushi Singh (@singhharushi) February 1, 2024
This shocking lack of empathy has left me "shaken and furious", she expressed, further highlighting that there have been instances in the past too, conveying that Kolkata airport has "learnt nothing" from them.
"Does the CISF manual on airport security ask to insult people with disability," she remarked further.
Singh continued, "There is an urgent need to re-examine how the authorities at the Kolkata airport handle passengers with disabilities."
Given that most wheelchair assistants were helping passengers, the officer in question did not feel the need to help me out of the kiosk when the security clearance was completed. Moreover, there was 20 minute delay before wheelchair assistance was provided. https://t.co/N419COLiK4
— Arushi Singh (@singhharushi) February 1, 2024
Once at the lounge no one came to escort me to the gate. There is an urgent need to re-look at the treatment of passengers with disabilities by the Kolkata airport authorities. @JM_Scindia #Disability #InclusionMatters #Diversity
— Arushi Singh (@singhharushi) February 1, 2024
As of filing this report, neither Kolkata Airport nor the CISF have issued an official response regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, the posts have garnered several reactions ranging from support to criticism.
A social media user claimed he faced a similar ordeal at the airport.
@singhharushi i experienced this trauma. indigo could not provide a wheelchair for 45 mins as I was sitting in the car, and my wife called on the call box provided outside. the security abused the driver for parking and waiting.
— Raja ram (@Rajaram25377986) February 2, 2024
Users criticised the incident tagging Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Distressed by @singhharushi's humiliating experience at @KolkataAirport. Urgent action needed. Authorities must conduct staff sensitisation immediately. @JM_Scindia @MoCA_GoI @DGCAIndia @CISFHQrs #DisabilityTwitter, please take note.@avianWE @chase_india https://t.co/QNyfoAFwoF
— Nitin Mantri 🇮🇳 (@nitinmantri) February 1, 2024
I don’t think one needs to be trained to display basic human courtesy! @JM_Scindia Hope the @CISFHQrs and @MoCA_GoI takes cognisance of this. https://t.co/uIb4mU9HPI
— Madhan Gandhinathan (@madhan_g) February 2, 2024
I have to disagree with you. It's educating airport staff about the needs of infirm and elderly. Airports around the world have separate security desks for the physically impaired. Yes it is about being insensitive.
— veena bakshi (@vibione) February 2, 2024
Some netizens also defended the airport security in the comment section.
You are not a big celebrity. If all disabled people start behaving in such a manner then the airport security would be compromised. It's better you travel by train where no such issues will be faced.
— Arun (@chandak_arun) February 3, 2024
It is possible that the security personnel misunderstood your ability and asked you to stand. That is really not an offence. Majority of the people using wheelchairs at the airport do stand up for the security checks. I think it's not a case of respect or disrespect.
— common man (@ss00055000) February 3, 2024
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