‘Eating like the lowest of pests’, ‘a bunch of monkeys’: X user's remarks about Indians at Delhi Airport spark outrage online

A traveller taking a nap at Delhi Airport would normally not attract much attention. For most people, it is just another airport scene. Long waits, delayed schedules, and tired passengers are part of the travel experience. But one photograph shared online has now sparked a debate that goes far beyond a bench inside an airport terminal.

The discussion began after a social media user posted a picture of a passenger sleeping across an airport bench and criticized him. The post quickly gained attention, but the reaction that followed was not entirely in the poster's favour.

Instead, many social media users came forward to defend the passenger, turning the spotlight onto the criticism itself.

Post targets sleeping passenger

The controversy started when X user Pulkit Sharma shared a photograph of a traveller resting on a bench at Delhi Airport with a cabin bag placed beneath his head.

Expressing his disapproval, Sharma wrote:

“No government can bring civic sense to Indians. Utterly pathetic and shameful, this nut job has occupied this public space (meant to be shared) like he owns it.”

He also tagged Delhi Airport and suggested that the airport should have a dedicated police force to deal with such passengers.

Remarks spark strong reactions

Sharma later expanded on his views, saying that the image reflected a wider issue.

“Most uncivilised people. There are 100's of such filthy examples. Some are sitting with their bare feet on stands with total disregard for public hygiene, some are eating like the lowest of pests and leaving the debris there itself,” he said.

He further wrote:

“Even an average bus stop of west looks cleaner and more civil than India's biggest airport. Full marks to the authorities for providing many modern facilities, but it has been provided to a bunch of monkeys.”

Internet users defend the traveller

As the post circulated online, many users disagreed with Sharma's criticism and argued that there was nothing unusual about the passenger's actions.

One user responded:

“People sleep on benches all over the world at airports, bus stands, parks, what are you talking about? The day you'll meet Midwest Americans and Italians or even from Catalonia, leave alone the Slavs, you'll notice things aren't that bad.”

Another user wrote:

“I see nothing wrong. He has removed the shoes right there in your picture. Looks like you have not travelled much, it's the same all around the world. At least he is not dancing and eating on the floor, mate.”

‘People do this across the world’
Several others echoed the same sentiment and said airport travellers often rest wherever they can during long waits.

One comment read:

“Pulkit - it's normal all around the globe. People sleep on the bench, on the carpet and sometimes on the chair. Don't need to make everything larger than it should be.”

Another user added:

“Nothing wrong in it, if the layover is 4-5 hrs, you expect to sit for many hours? Btw, he is minding his business and if anyone want seat, he may adjust. Don't give unnecessary wisdom on X. Sleeping in airports is not unusual in the entire world.”

Disclaimer: This article is based on posts and reactions shared publicly on X. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims or opinions expressed by the poster or users and does not endorse them. Thumb image: X