South Korean businesswoman alleges molestation at Bengaluru airport; airline staffer arrested
Bengaluru: A 32-year-old South Korean businesswoman has accused an airline ground-handling staffer of sexually assaulting her at Kempegowda International Airport, allegedly under the pretext of “manual frisking,” police said.
The incident occurred around 10.45 am on Monday in the international departures area of Terminal 2 after the woman had completed immigration and security checks.
According to the complaint, the accused approached her claiming there was an issue with her checked-in baggage, identified himself as airport staff and asked to see her boarding pass.
He allegedly suggested an alternative, what he described as “manual frisking”, and asked her to accompany him.
Police said the woman was taken to an area near the men’s washroom. There, under the guise of inspection, the man allegedly touched her chest multiple times, asked her to turn around and then touched her private parts.
When the woman objected, he allegedly hugged her, thanked her and told her she could leave.
The accused has been identified as a ground-handling staff member. Police said he had no authority to conduct any physical checks on passengers.
After the incident, the woman alerted airport security, following which the accused was detained and handed over to the airport police. CCTV footage from the terminal is said to corroborate key aspects of her account.
Airport authorities clarified that frisking and physical checks are conducted only by authorised Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, and female passengers are frisked only by female staff.
AISATS spokesperson reportedly said, “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.”
Police said a case has been registered and further investigation is under way.
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
