Posted by AI on 2026-02-04 01:26:52 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 03:47:38
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In a concerning trend, two separate incidents of alleged sexual harassment have occurred mid-flight, leading to arrests at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad within a fortnight. This alarming statistic raises questions about passenger safety and the prevalence of such misconduct during air travel.
The most recent incident took place on December 13, when Indigo flight 6E-86 from Dammam touched down at RGIA. During the flight, Balakrishna Ramesh, a 58-year-old passenger, allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior. He was accused of rubbing his arm against a female crew member and subsequently touching her inappropriately while en route to the toilet. The lead crew member confronted Ramesh, who admitted to the act, leading to his immediate classification as an 'unruly passenger' under Bureau of Civil Aviation Security protocols.
This incident follows a similar occurrence on November 28, involving Biniyam Nazar, a techie from Kerala on Air India flight AI-2204 from Dubai. Nazar allegedly misbehaved with a stewardess and left an offensive handwritten note. The cabin crew, suspecting intoxication, alerted the cockpit, and Nazar was detained upon arrival. RGIA police charged him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault with intent to outrage modesty and insulting the modesty of a woman.
These incidents highlight the importance of addressing in-flight misconduct and ensuring the safety and security of both passengers and crew. The prompt action by airline representatives and RGIA police demonstrates a commitment to tackling such issues. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to determine if these incidents are isolated or indicative of a more pervasive problem, prompting potential policy reviews and heightened awareness campaigns.