A shocking case of sexual harassment at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) in Bengaluru has led to the swift arrest of airport staffer Affaann Ahmed, accused of molesting a South Korean woman on January 19 (Monday). The incident unfolded during a bogus 'inspection,' escalating to inappropriate touching in the men's toilet, prompting immediate action from security and police. An FIR under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered, with CCTV evidence backing the victim's complaint.
The deceptive inspection
The South Korean national arrived at the airport to board her flight home when Affaann Ahmed, during ticket checks, claimed a beeping sound emanated from her bag, necessitating a separate frisking. Under this pretext, he escorted her to the men's toilet, a highly irregular and alarming move, instead of a standard security area.
There, Ahmed allegedly touched her private parts and forcibly hugged her despite her strong protests. He casually dismissed her with "Okay, thank you" before leaving, leaving the victim traumatized.
Victim's brave complaint and swift action
The woman wasted no time, reporting the assault to airport security staff who immediately detained Ahmed and handed him over to KIAL Airport Police. CCTV footage from the area corroborated her account, capturing the suspicious escort to the toilet and his behaviour. Police confirmed the arrest on the spot, praising the rapid response that prevented any delay in justice.
Airport staff under judicial custody: Bengaluru City Police Commissioner
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said," As per the complaint given in Bengaluru airport police station, one person arrested on the allegations of outraging the modesty of a woman foreign national. The incident happened after the woman completed the airport security check. The man has said that he heard a beep sound coming from the woman's bag or her body. He misbehaved with her. He is currently under judicial custody. This is a criminal case. The woman has left the country."
AISATS responds to Bengaluru airport harassment outrage
"An outrageous and unacceptable incident occurred at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru," stated an AISATS spokesperson. "The implicated employee faced immediate termination and was surrendered to authorities for legal proceedings. We sincerely apologize for the emotional trauma inflicted on the passenger and have provided comprehensive assistance. A thorough internal review is now strengthening protocols to ensure such lapses never recur. AISATS pledges full cooperation with officials while upholding uncompromising standards of integrity, security, and regulatory adherence."
Police case and ongoing probe
Kempegowda Airport Police registered the FIR under BNS Section 75, which addresses sexual harassment and assault. Investigators are delving into Ahmed's employment history, potential prior complaints, and whether others were targeted similarly. The incident has spotlighted vulnerabilities in airport security protocols, urging reviews of frisking procedures and staff training to safeguard international travellers.
