A Bollywood actor on Sunday alleged that she was molested by a co-passenger on an Air Vistara flight from Delhi to Mumbai. Mumbai Police have arrested the man.
Earlier, based on the 17-year-old actor's statement, a case has been registered at Mumbai’s Sahar police station against the person under IPC section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, since the actor is a minor, Sahar’s senior police inspector Lata Shirsat said.
“Shameful” incident
Terming the incident as “shameful”, Maharashtra State Commission for Women’s (MSCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said they will seek a detailed inquiry into it from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
“The commission will direct the DGCA to conduct an inquiry in the matter and will also inquire into the steps taken by Vistara to address the complaint,” Ms. Rahatkar said.
She demanded that there should also be an inquiry into why the cabin crew did not help the actor.
“We have directed the Mumbai Police to look into the matter immediately. It is sad that none of the co-passengers came ahead to help [her]. We are with her, and will ensure she gets justice,” Ms. Rahatkar said.
A woman police official was sent to the hotel in Mumbai where the actor is put up, to record her statement, a senior police official said. “We are enquiring with the airport authorities and the airline concerned to establish the identity of the person,” another police official said.
The airline has apologised to the actor for the incident and said it was carrying out a probe into it, while asserting that it has “zero tolerance” for such behaviour. Meanwhile, the aviation regulator DGCA has sought a report on the incident from the airline, sources said.
The actor narrated her ordeal on Instagram via live video.
“Zero tolerance”
Earlier in a statement on Twitter, the airline Vistara said it would look into the complaint, and added that it had “zero tolerance for such behaviour”.
“We @airvistara have seen the reports regarding [the actor’s] experience with another customer on board our flight last night. We are carrying out detailed investigation and will support her in every way required. We have zero tolerance for such behaviour.”
Later, Vistara’s chief strategy and commercial officer Sanjiv Kapoor in a statement said, “We are aware of the incident reported by [the actor] on board our flight UK981 last night from Delhi to Mumbai. We are carrying out a detailed investigation of the incident which apparently involved a male passenger on the flight.”
“We are talking to our crew who were serving [the actor] to understand the incident at greater length, and reaching out to fellow passengers as well. We will support her in every way required and also if she decides to report the matter to the police,” he said.
Mr. Kapoor said it appears the crew only became aware of something amiss during final descent when they were seated for landing.
Further details will come from the investigation which is currently going on in full force, he said. “We apologise for what she experienced and we have zero tolerance for such behaviour,” Mr.Kapoor said.
Leaders condemn incident
Condemning the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said she was “appalled” and demanded swift action against the culprit. “Any harassment/crime against women shld be dealt with swiftly and effectively. As a mother of two daughters, I am appalled at what happened with [the actor]. Hope the relevant authorities take strict action,” she tweeted.
Former J and K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also demanded action against the passenger .
“The passenger should be identified to the police by @airvistara and a case filed for legal action. None of this “he fell at my feet so I forgive him” rubbish!” Mr. Abdullah posted.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said a criminal offence should be registered against the male passenger and he should be asked to apologise for the indecent behaviour.
“Those travelling by airlines usually work on good positions in companies. If the owners of such companies do not take suitable action against such employees their conduct will never change,” Mr. Gorhe said.
