An Indian man, aged 52, has been detained on allegations of sexually assaulting a woman seated beside him on a flight to Australia.
The Australian Federal Police reported that Sudhir Kumar Chahuan is accused of assaulting a female passenger during a Scoot Airlines flight from Singapore to Perth on Monday.
The distressed woman promptly informed the flight crew, who then relocated her to another seat.
Following the alert, the airline staff monitored Chahuan for the remainder of the flight after contacting authorities, as police reported.
Upon landing, the suspect was removed from the aircraft and charged with sexual intercourse without consent, along with multiple counts of indecency without consent.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal emphasized in a statement, “Every passenger has the right to feel safe when traveling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers.”
He further advised that anyone experiencing unwanted contact should inform authorities, whether it be airline staff, the AFP, or airport security, as soon as it is safe to do so.
“No act of indecency on an aircraft or at an airport is appropriate, and any travelers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly,” Brindal added.
The West Australian newspaper identified the suspect, who is currently in custody, with a bail hearing scheduled for Friday.
The Post contacted Scoot Airlines for a comment but did not receive an immediate response.
