Pune resident held for molesting air hostess

A 62-year-old man was arrested for allegedly molesting an air hostess while exiting the aircraft at Delhi airport on March 24, the police said on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Airport) Sanjay Bhatia said a Vistara crew member alleged that she was molested by a passenger on flight UK-997 from Lucknow to Delhi on March 24. The accused was identified as Pune resident Rajeev Vasant Dani.

“The complainant alleged that she was standing near the exit to guide passengers deboarding the flight at Delhi airport when the accused touched her inappropriately. She claimed that the accused had tried to touch her several times during the flight but she had ignored him. However, when he did it again at the exit gate she reported the matter to senior crew members and the accused was detained by the security staff. He was later handed over to the Indira Gandhi International Airport police staff,” said Mr. Bhatia.

A case under Section 354 A (sexual harassment) of the IPC has been registered.

Airline issues statement

The accused was arrested and presented before a Magistrate, who granted him bail.

Vistara has issued an official statement over the incident. “A member of our cabin crew... on March 24 reported an incident of sexual harassment by a passenger. Vistara does not tolerate abusive or unruly behaviour by passengers that puts the safety of its staff and other customers at risk, or compromises their dignity. We have reported the matter to the police and other relevant authorities. An FIR has been registered and an investigation is on. We are fully committed to providing our cooperation to all the authorities,” said a Vistara spokesperson.