'Pretended To Be Asleep': Indian National Convicted Of Sexually Harassing Woman During Flight In US

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 13:15 IST

Varun Arora, an Indian national, was convicted of sexual assault on a flight from Rhode Island TF Green International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

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An Indian national has been convicted by a federal jury in the United States of sexually assaulting a woman during a domestic flight, according to a press release by the US Attorney’s Office on January 30.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on August 29, 2024, when the accused, Varun Arora (38), was on board a flight from Rhode Island TF Green International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as per the details outlined in the court records, cited by the US Attorney’s Office.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, the woman was asleep during her journey. When she woke up, she found the accused sexually groping her, according to the press release.

As the woman attempted to push him away, Arora continued the act, while pretending to be asleep, using a sleep mask as a cover, the court records stated.

The US Attorney’s Office revealed that Arora is currently in the United States without lawful immigration status. Following the jury’s verdict, the accused is now set to face a potential prison sentence of up to two years.

Meanwhile, his sentencing is slated for May 7, with a federal district court judge set to decide the final punishment after reviewing US Sentencing Guidelines and taking into account other legal factors, according to the press release.

The case was probed by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and is being executed by Special Assistant US Attorney Madison Mumma and Assistant US Attorney Russell L Carlberg.

News world 'Pretended To Be Asleep': Indian National Convicted Of Sexually Harassing Woman During Flight In US

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