Justice Served: Tensions Rise in the Skies

SINGAPORE - A shocking incident aboard a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight has led to a 20-year-old Indian man, Rajat, being sentenced to three weeks in jail for molesting a stewardess.

The Disturbing Incident Unfolds

On February 28, during a flight from Perth to Singapore, Rajat, a university student in Australia, approached the stewardess as she bent down to pick up a piece of toilet paper in one of the restrooms. In a brazen act, he placed both hands on her hips, near her buttocks, before forcing his way into the toilet, dragging the stewardess along with him.

Heroic Action by Fellow Passenger

Fortunately, a vigilant female passenger witnessed the unsettling scene and immediately intervened, pulling the stewardess out of the restroom and whisking her to safety at the back of the plane. This quick thinking likely spared the victim further trauma.

Aftermath and Legal Consequences

Upon landing at Changi Airport, Rajat was arrested. During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Lau underscored the psychological toll on the stewardess, who felt "afraid, disgusted, and humiliated" by the assault. He argued that molestation in the confined space of an aircraft amplifies the violation, stating there is no easy escape for the victim or means to contact law enforcement during the flight.

Defence Plea and Sentencing

Defending Rajat, lawyer Ranjit Singh urged the court for leniency, citing his client's clean record and good behavior in school. Singh suggested that a fine would suffice, or at most, a one-week custodial sentence. However, the court maintained that justice required a more substantial response.

Potential Penalties for Molestation

Under Singapore law, those found guilty of molestation can face up to three years in prison, hefty fines, caning, or a combination of these penalties. In this case, justice has been served, but it raises important questions about safety and respect in the skies.