Minister directs AI to finish enquiry in June

NEW DELHI: Union women and child development (WCD) minister Maneka Gandhi on Monday directed the head of Air India’s Internal Complaints Committee to complete within June an inquiry into a sexual harassment complaint lodged by an air hostess of the national carrier against one its senior executives.

Maneka’s directive came after the air hostess met her on Monday and complained of inaction. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has also raised the issue with civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu.

“The minister (Maneka) has also spoken to the head of the Internal Complaints Committee of Air India and has directed her to complete the inquiry within June,” a statement issued by the WCD ministry said.

The complainant had last week written to Maneka and Prabhu, requesting the appointment of a “neutral” investigation committee to look into the incident.

Responding to her letter, the civil aviation minister had tweeted, “Asked Air India CMD to immediately address the issue. If necessary, will appoint another committee.”

In her letter dated May 25, the air hostess had alleged that she had been harassed for the last six years by the senior executive, whom she described as a “predator.” “He has insulted me and denied me positions and privileges after I rejected his advances and he had made my life a misery at work and continues to do so,” the air hostess wrote in her letter.

The air hostess further said in the letter that she had lodged a complaint with Air India last September and written to the then chairman and managing director (CMD) of the airline, but “none was forthcoming.”