- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 29 Sep 2025 05:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Entrepreneur Sophia Choudry revealed that she was racially abused by a group of schoolchildren during a train journey from Paddington to Maidenhead on September 7. Choudry said she was repeatedly called the “P-word,” a term she had not heard directed at her in 25 years. The children left the train at Hayes and Harlington station before police could arrive.
Choudry shared a video of the experience on TikTok, which has been watched more than two million times. She said that the kids attempted to cover their faces when they recognised they were being recorded, while other passengers condemned her for filming. Posting about the experience on LinkedIn, she wrote about how the experience brought back painful memories from growing up as "the only brown girl" in Sunderland, encountering racism directly.
“I’m fine now, but I won’t pretend I wasn’t shaken,” Choudry said. “For a week I second-guessed every bump, every look, even crossed the road to avoid people.”
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Choudry called the British Transport Police (BTP) before the children disembarked, but no officers met her at the station. She continued her journey to Slough, where her husband picked her up. Initially, BTP closed the investigation citing a “lack of identifiable suspects.” However, following inquiries by the BBC, the case was reopened, and an officer was assigned after Choudry submitted the video evidence.
A BTP spokesperson said the incident is under investigation and emphasised a “zero tolerance approach to hate crime.” Transport for London (TfL) expressed regret that Choudry did not receive immediate assistance and is looking into the matter.
Rising Hate Crimes On London Transport
Choudry highlighted the broader issue of racial abuse, saying, “Racism is rife at the moment. Those men just didn’t care. They just instantly knew that they didn’t want to help or support me. Race crimes are so high at the moment. I am terrified for my children.”
According to TfL, reported hate crimes increased by nearly 50 per cent on the Elizabeth Line last year and by 28 per cent across the broader London transport network.
Despite the distressing experience, Choudry is determined to respond with positivity. Speaking on social media, she wrote: “The hate is hard to see, but I refuse to let hate live in my heart. I’m choosing love, I have to. While the hate represents 5 per cent of people, 95 per cent of you showed up with empathy, kindness and support that I will never forget.”