Watch: Russian Traveller Alleges Misconduct By Delhi Passport Officer

A video of a Russian content creator has now gone viral, sparking heated debate as the travel enthusiast who loves to travel to India narrated an incident of misconduct at the hands of an official at the passport office. She alleged the passport control officer wrote his number on her ticket (boarding pass) asking her to call him the next time she was in India.

The travel enthusiast, Dinara, posted the video with the text, "I am shocked" and "ARE YOU SERIOUS" and a caption asking her followers in the comments section "Was his behaviour appropriate?"; questioning the officer's conduct. The video garnered significant traction, with netizens overwhelmingly sharing mixed reactions and thoughts.

Russian Traveller Alleges Misconduct By Delhi Passport Officer

As the video left the internet divided, many called out the officer's behaviour unethical and inappropriate while many others alleged "never trust one side of a story" and questioned maybe he just wanted to be a friend in a "nice way."

Condemning the behaviour of the passport control officer at Delhi airport with the traveller, a user commented, "The officer on duty should not behave like this for his personal reasons. Very unethical. Sorry, you have to go through this." Others suggested she should file a complaint against the officer at the immigration department while many apologised to the lady. 

However, not all agreed that the officer's act of giving his number and asking her to call him was: "unethical", "unprofessional" or "inappropriate." A user commented: "Maybe he is trying to be courteous for any kind of future help... every situation has a different perspective. It’s just a mindset."  Another user defending the man said: "Is having a crush forbidden? If this man is a gentleman and is not aggressive when talking to you why make a big deal out of this? Be proud, he just thinks you're beautiful."

Many others sympathised with the man as many suggested the man was just "taking his shot" while another questioned: "I hope in a nice way !! What do you say internet??" Another said: "Maybe he wants to be your friend don't boys do in your country?"

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A post shared by Dinara ~ traveller, India lover 🇮🇳 (@dijidol)

As the opinions flooded a user did not miss the chance to question the woman and her actions talking about Dinara's recent video about sticking a poster on a bus stop, "Looking for an Indian husband." The user wrote: "I mean you are asking for an Indian husband on IG publicly and wandering around in crowded areas saying that so how can you be bothered now?"

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A post shared by Dinara ~ traveller, India lover 🇮🇳 (@dijidol)

Why Is Such Behaviour Unethical?

The incident with the Russian traveller sparked opinions about whether the immigration officer overstepped his bounds or just "giving his shot" or cultural overenthusiasm that makes many Indians curious about foreigners. But what matters is the woman's discomfort and the man's action to be unsolicited. 

Not only did professionalism take a nosedive, but the officer should have remembered the immense power and responsibility his position comes from as they have control over an immigrant's or traveller's movement in and out of the country. This power dynamic could be intimidating and inherently creates a situation where a passenger feels pressured to comply, even with an unwelcome request.

Let's be honest, how many times we all (at least women) have been in situations where we felt compelled to share our numbers unwillingly just to be safe instead of creating a ruckus by just denying it or saying no? If you still need an example, I can share a personal incident of a girl's trip to Goa a year ago when a stranger we met at a beach party "politely insisted" me to share my number "just to hang out with his group next day." I did not want to but to ignore the situation escalating and "spoiling fun" I just gave him my WhatsApp number with no incoming call services (As a woman I use a non-working sim card just for such situations). I had no option, and what was next?

Despite blocking him several times, the man still calls me, a year and more later, from different unknown numbers. Do you still wonder why do feel uneasy sharing our numbers? Even my best friend's ex-boyfriend bought a subscription app which accredited him with 5000 calling numbers just because my friend chose to break up with him after he cheated. Sadly, many women with similar experiences can give many such examples of sour experiences of them regretting sharing contacts or any personal information. 

This immigration officer clearly could have been mindful of a woman's discomfort (consent and comfort should be a priority) by being asked for personal information from a stranger instead of his personal motives as it could blur the lines between "courteousness" and harassment. While such solicitations might seem "unharmful" the room and situation must always be read.

Such actions can develop cultural misunderstandings for foreign travellers. True warmth doesn't involve blurring professional lines. It lies in courtesy, efficiency, and respecting personal space.

Views expressed are the author's own.