Air India staff accused of ‘touching’ Korean woman at Bengaluru airport; CCTV footage supports allegation

A case of sexual harassment involving a South Korean woman has been reported at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

The 32-year-old businesswoman from South Korea was allegedly molested on 19 January at the international departure area of Terminal 2 in Bangalore. The woman was returning to South Korea after visiting India on a tourist visa.

According to police, the incident occurred during a ticket inspection. An airport staff member allegedly claimed that a beeping sound was coming from the woman’s bag.

According to her complaint, the woman had already completed CISF security checks and immigration formalities. The accused allegedly approached her around 10.45 AM.

He identified himself as airport staff, checked her boarding pass and claimed there was an issue with her checked-in baggage. He allegedly told her that resolving the issue would take time and suggested a “manual frisking” instead, according to The Times of India.

The accused then took her near a men’s washroom. Under the excuse of frisking, he allegedly touched her chest several times.

He allegedly asked her to turn around and touched her private parts. When the woman objected, he reportedly hugged her, thanked her and asked her to leave.

The woman immediately informed airport authorities. The accused was identified as a 25-year-old ground staff employee with Air India SATS, according to TOI. Airport officials detained him and handed him over to the Kempegowda International Airport police.

CCTV footage supports the woman’s statement, according to ANI. The Kempegowda Airport Police registered a case under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused has been arrested and sent to judicial custody.