Kolkata Airport Arrest: Passenger Detained for Alleged Mid-Flight Molestation
A male passenger was arrested at the Kolkata airport following serious allegations of in-flight molestation made by a female co-passenger. The incident occurred during a flight originating from Hanoi, Vietnam, and has led to criminal charges being filed against the accused individual.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The complainant, a woman traveling in seat 26A, reported that the passenger seated next to her in 26B, identified as Abdur Rahim, repeatedly touched her inappropriately during the flight. According to her official statement, she initially believed the physical contact might have been accidental. However, after the behavior persisted three to four times, she concluded it was intentional and deliberate.
The woman further alleged that Rahim, who hails from Bhagalpur in Bihar, made inappropriate and offensive comments toward her, compounding her distress during the journey. This combination of alleged physical misconduct and verbal harassment created a highly uncomfortable and threatening environment for the victim.
Immediate Response and Intervention
Upon realizing the pattern of behavior, the alert woman promptly notified the airline staff about the situation. The flight crew acted swiftly by intervening in the matter. As an immediate safety measure, the crew members relocated the accused passenger, Rahim, to a different seat for the remainder of the flight, thereby separating him from the complainant.
When the aircraft eventually landed at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, the airline staff formally handed over Abdur Rahim to the airport security personnel. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, responsible for airport security, detained the man and subsequently transferred him to the NSCBI Airport police station for further legal proceedings.
Legal Actions and Charges Filed
Following his detention, Abdur Rahim was formally arrested by the police in connection with the serious allegations. He was then produced before the Barasat court, where the legal process against him commenced. Police authorities have confirmed that Rahim is facing multiple charges related to molestation and verbal abuse under relevant sections of the law. The case highlights the importance of prompt reporting and intervention in such incidents, especially in confined spaces like aircraft cabins.
The arrest underscores the zero-tolerance approach toward such misconduct during air travel. It serves as a reminder that airlines and security agencies are equipped to handle such complaints seriously, ensuring passenger safety and upholding legal standards. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are awaited as the judicial process moves forward.
