This Article is From Dec 11, 2017

Teen Actress Urged By Women's Commission To File Police Complaint

The award-winning actress narrated through social media the ordeal she faced on a Vistara Airlines flight from Delhi to Mumbai, claiming that a middle-aged man sitting behind her, moved his foot up and down her neck and back.

Teen Actress Urged By Women's Commission To File Police Complaint

Air Vistara said it is carrying out a detailed investigation into the allegations of molestation.

New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) as well as the Delhi and Maharashtra Commissions for Women on Sunday urged a teen actress to file a police complaint after she alleged that she was molested on a flight.

The actress, 17, narrated through social media the ordeal she faced on a Vistara Airlines flight from Delhi to Mumbai, claiming that a middle-aged man sitting behind her, moved his foot up and down her neck and back.

The NCW has stepped in to take action.

Its chairperson Rekha Singh told the media:"I just saw the video on Instagram and my heart goes out to her. I am really horrified the way this incident happened and after that the crew didn't help this girl. That was very shocking because Vistara claims that it has zero tolerance and they have not sensitise their crew to take action against men who torturing women on flight.

"So I am taking suo moto cognizance and giving notice to Vistara also a copy to DCP Maharashtra to act against the airlines.

She also promised to help the actress in any way we can.

The 39-year-old Mumbai businessman, identified as Vikas Sachdev, has been arrested and will be produced in court today. 

Swati Maliwal of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) also urged the actress to lodge a police complaint.

Ms Maliwal called the incident highly condemnable and urged the actress to file a police complaint.

"Accused should be arrested. Since flight was from Delhi to Mumbai, the DCW is issuing notice to Vistara Airlines seeking details of man, action taken by airlines and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) followed in such matters. Now even flights are unsafe for girls," tweeted.

Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar condemned it as a "shameful incident".

"MSCW will direct DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) to conduct inquiry in the matter. We will inquire into the steps taken by Vistara to address the complaint. There should be inquiry about why the cabin crew did not help her. We have directed the Mumbai Police to look into the matter immediately.

"It is sad that none of the co-passengers came ahead to help... We are with her, and will ensure she gets justice."

On its part, Vistara Airlines has said it will investigate the issue.

The airline said it was carrying out a detailed investigation and would support the actress in every way required. "We have zero tolerance for such behaviour," the airline tweeted. Later in the evening, the airline submitted a report to the Director General of Civil Aviation on the incident.

(This story has been updated to remove the actor's name since she is a minor.)
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