A 17yearold actor alleges molestation on flight, files FIR
A17-year-old Bollywood actor was allegedly molested during a Delhi-Mumbai Vistara flight on Sunday. She shared the incident through a video on social media, in which she accused a middle-aged man of trying to rub his foot on her back and neck. She, however, later deleted the post.
HT is not publishing her name here due to legal protocols meant to protect victims of sexual crimes.
In the video, the actor narrated, “So, I was in a flight travelling from Delhi to Mumbai today and right behind me one middle-aged man who made my two-hour journey miserable. I tried to record it on phone to understand it better because the cabin lights were dimmed, I failed to get it. It was all chill till I felt somebody brushing against my back while I was half asleep. I ignored it the first time. Blamed the turbulence. Until I woke up to this pleasant sight of his beautiful foot rubbing my back and neck. Guess he couldn’t sit like a civilised human being and placed his foot on my armrest while he’s fully ‘phelaoed’ (spread) his body on his seat,”
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah demanded punishment for the molester. He tweeted, “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!” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also tweeted, “Any harassment/crime against women shld (should) be dealt with swiftly & (and) effectively. As a mother of 2 (two) daughters I am appalled at what happened...Hope relevant authorities take strict action.”
NWC chairperson Rekha Singh also expressed shock over the incident. “The crew didn’t help this girl. That was very shocking because Vistara claims that it has zero tolerance and they have not sensitised their crew to take action against men who torture women on flight,” she told the media.