DCW Notice To Vistara Airlines After Zaira Wasim's Molestation

Following the Instagram video of Zaira Wasim showing how a man allegedly molested her on a flight, the Delhi Commission for Women has issued a notice to Vistara Airlines. The commission seeks some answers from the airlines by December 16.

The Dangal actor on Dec 9 took a Delhi-Mumbai flight. She alleged that a man onboard the flight tried to molest her by keeping his foot by the side of her seat. After the incident spread in the media, Mumbai police registered a case against the accused. Vistara Airlines, by which the actor was travelling, apologised to her for the unfortunate event.

Vistara went on to say that they are investigating the matter and that they have “zero tolerance” for such incidents of harassment.

"So, I was in a flight travelling from Delhi to Mumbai today and right behind me one middle-aged man who made my two-hour journey miserable. I tried to record it on phone to understand it better because the cabin lights were dimmed, I failed to get it...," the actor said, Zee News reported.

"The lights were dim, so it was even worse. It continued for another five to ten minutes and then I was sure of it. He kept nudging my shoulder and continued to move his foot up and down my back and neck," the actor added.

"Were the crew members of Vistara Airlines aware of the molestation incident with Ms. Zaira Wasim during her flight?"

Since the actor is a minor, Mumbai’s Sahar police station has registered the case against the accused under IPC section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

ALSO READ: President Kovind Presents National Child Award To Zaira Wasim

“Were the crew members of Vistara aware of the molestation incident with Ms. Zaira Wasim during her flight? If yes, please inform the action taken by them in the matter along with details of the help and support provided to the girl,” DCW has asked the airlines.

It also seeks the airline’s response to the details of SOPs followed by Vistara airlines to deal with matters of sexual harassment on flight.

Maharashtra State Commission for Women's (MSCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has also spoken up on the incident and called it “shameful”. The commission has further proposed to seek a detailed inquiry into the case from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Picture credit- Tribune India