Bengaluru Airport Staff Arrested for Alleged Sexual Harassment of South Korean Woman
In a disturbing incident at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, police on Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old staff member for allegedly sexually harassing a 32-year-old woman from South Korea. The accused, identified as Mohammed Affan Ahmed, was employed by Air India SATS, a company providing ground and cargo services at airports.
Details of the Alleged Harassment Incident
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, 19 January, as the South Korean woman was preparing to board her flight to Korea after completing immigration formalities. According to her complaint, she was proceeding towards the terminal when Affan approached her, asking to check her flight ticket under the pretext of a problem with her checked-in luggage.
He claimed that her luggage had made a beeping sound and warned her that returning to the regular screening counter would take time, potentially causing her to miss her flight. On this basis, he insisted on a separate check and led her to an isolated spot near the men's washroom.
Despite her objections, the staffer allegedly touched the woman inappropriately. When she tried to resist, he hugged her, said thank you, and walked away. Recalling the incident in an interview with a South Korean TV channel, the woman stated, He said this is a protocol… sorry to bother you. After everything, he hugged me and said thank you, which made me realise something was wrong. I freaked out. My priority was to get away safely.
Legal Action and Company Response
Following the woman's complaint, Bengaluru police reviewed CCTV footage from the terminal and registered a case under Section 75(1)(i) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to sexual assault involving non-consensual touching. The accused has been remanded to police custody as the investigation continues.
Air India SATS responded swiftly to the incident, terminating Affan's employment and handing him over to authorities for legal action. In a statement, the company described the incident as unpardonable and expressed deep regret for the emotional distress caused.
The statement read, An unpardonable incident was reported at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The employee involved was immediately terminated and handed over to the authorities for further legal action. We deeply regret the emotional distress caused by the incident and have extended all necessary support to the guest. A comprehensive inquiry is underway to strengthen safeguards and prevent any recurrence. AISATS is fully cooperating with the authorities and remains committed to the highest standards of ethics, safety, and compliance.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This case highlights significant safety concerns at one of India's busiest airports, raising questions about passenger security and staff conduct. The incident has prompted calls for stricter background checks and enhanced surveillance measures to protect travelers, especially international visitors.
Authorities are emphasizing the importance of such legal actions under the BNS to deter similar offenses and ensure justice for victims. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover any lapses in protocol and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
