"We are deeply concerned and regret the unfortunate experience," tweeted the airline.
New Delhi:
Within hours after a Bollywood teenage actress narrated on Instagram how she was allegedly molested by a co-passenger on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai on Saturday night, social media was flooded with messages expressing outrage and support for the 17-year-old actress. Air Vistara has said it is carrying out a detailed investigation into the case. On Sunday night, Mumbai police arrested the man accused of molesting the actress, reported Press Trust of India.
(This story has been updated to remove the actor's name since she is a minor.) Here are the highlights on the alleged molestation case of the actress:
Mumbai police arrests man accused of molesting Bollywood actress: Press Trust of India
Mumbai Police detained the accused in the Bollywood actress molestation case. Accused was detained from West Mumbai's Andheri.
Vistara tweeted an updated statement on the molestation allegation.
The airline said that they are deeply concerned and regret the unfortunate experience onboard their flight last night. "We continue to give this case our highest attention and are extending our full support to all relevant authorities for the investigations underway. In addition, we have submitted an initial incident report to the DGCA, and have also submitted all necessary details to the Police."
"Ensuring safety and security of our customers is of paramount importance to us, and we stand firm against any kind of harassment or such behaviour towards any individual," the statement added.
Vistara submits to Directorate General of Civil Aviation, an initial report on the alleged harassment of Bollywood actress on flight, reported Press Trust of India quoting the airline spokesperson.
Delhi Commission of Women issues notice to Vistara Airlines on allegations of a molestation attempt on Delhi-Mumbai flight, seeks report of the incident by December 16: news agency ANI
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha spoke to news agency ANI and said that he was deeply saddened about the incident and emphasised on the actress filling an FIR. He also said, the passenger who was accused of molestation must be put on a 'No Fly list' and that there must be a probe. "Whatever action must be taken, will be done. This kind of behaviour should not take place," Mr Sinha added.
Mumbai Police says they have recorded the statement of the 17-year-old actress and are registering an offence accordingly.
Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted her support to the young actress. "Hats off for speaking up about the harassment," she said. "It is these incidents that highlight what a woman has to go through every single day, hope airlines come up with guidelines to ensure stringent action against such perverts," she tweeted.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted "Any harassment/crime against women shld be dealt with swiftly & effectively. As a mother of 2 daughters I am appalled at what happened," she said. "Hope the relevant authorities take strict action," the chief minister added.
Wrestler Babita Phogat posted a video on twitter in support of the teen actress.
Ministry of Civil Aviation and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have sought details from Air Vistara over the alleged molestation of the Bollywood teen actress: news agency ANI
Vistara airline posted their second statement on Twitter.
They said that they are aware of the incident reported by the actress onboard the Vistara flight UK981 last night from Delhi to Mumbai. "We are carrying out a detailed investigation of the incident which apparently involved a male passenger on the flight." The airline said they are talking to their crew who were serving the actress to understand the incident at greater length, and that they are reaching out to fellow passengers as well. They also said that they will support the actress in every way required and also if she decides to report the matter to the police.
"It appears crew only became aware of something amiss during final descent when they were seated for landing. Further details will come from the investigation which is currently ongoing in full force," the statement said. The airline further apologised and said, "We have zero tolerance for such behaviour"
Vistara posted fresh statement on the alleged molestation that was reported by teen Bollywood actress.
A police officer visited the hotel where the teen actress who alleged molestation in Mumbai to record her statement this morning: news agency ANI
The civil aviation ministry and aviation watchdog DGCA have sought details from Vistara over the incident, news agency ANI reported.
Omar Abdullah tweeted, "The passenger should be identified to the police by @airvistara & a case filed for legal action. None of this "he fell at my feet so I forgive him" rubbish!"
The National Commission of Women has said it is sending a notice to Air Vistara for not getting the accused arrested after landing. "Why till now they have not named this man till now?" tweeted Rekha Sharma from the women's panel.