Man, 36, charged with molesting and harassing female cabin crew member on flight

A 36-year-old Indian national was charged in court on Tuesday (March 17) with molesting and harassing a female cabin crew member on board a flight.

Akash Tiwari is accused of using his body to make contact with the victim's buttocks, and following her to the galley area where he cornered her and caused her to be distressed. 

In a statement on Monday, police said they were alerted to the incident at 4.27pm on Feb 9.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred when the cabin crew member was serving the man near his seat, during which he allegedly touched her inappropriately.

The crew member immediately warned him to stop and proceeded to the galley to prepare for landing.

But the man followed her to the galley, where he allegedly continued harassing her by moving closer and cornering her in the confined space, said the police.

She shouted at him and left the galley, but he allegedly continued following her to the aisle and only returned to his seat after she reported the matter to her supervisor.

Upon arrival at Changi Airport, officers from the Airport Police Division conducted follow-up investigations and arrested him. 

If found guilty of his charge of using criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, Akash faces a jail term of up to three years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments.

If convicted of intentionally causing harassment, he faces a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

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xingying.koh@asiaone.com