Passenger accused of raping woman sitting next to him on flight to Australia
A man from India has been taken into custody after authorities say he sexually assaulted a woman seated beside him during an international flight to Western Australia.
According to the Australian Federal Police, 52-year-old Sudhir Kumar Chahuan allegedly attacked the woman while traveling on a Scoot Airlines flight from Singapore to Perth on Monday.
Officials said the woman immediately notified the cabin crew about what had happened. Flight attendants responded by relocating her to another seat for the remainder of the trip. After being informed of the accusation, airline staff monitored the man closely for the rest of the flight and alerted law enforcement ahead of the plane’s arrival.
Police officers were waiting when the aircraft landed in Perth and removed the suspect from the plane. Authorities have charged him with sexual intercourse without consent as well as several counts of indecent acts without consent.
Australian Federal Police Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said passengers should always feel secure when flying, noting that being in the confined space of an aircraft makes safety especially important. He also encouraged anyone who experiences unwanted physical contact during a flight or at an airport to notify airline personnel, airport security, or federal police as soon as it is safe to do so.
Brindal added that indecent behavior on planes or in airports will not be tolerated and that anyone who violates the law will face prompt action.
The West Australian newspaper identified the suspect, who remains in custody while awaiting a bail hearing scheduled for Friday.
Scoot Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
About Post Author
