A Shocking Incident Aboard Singapore Airlines

In a disturbing event that unfolded aboard a Singapore Airlines flight, a 20-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to three weeks in jail for molesting a stewardess. The unsettling incident occurred on February 28, when Rajat, a student studying in Australia, was traveling from Perth to Singapore.

The Disturbing Details

On that fateful day, as the stewardess attended to her duties and bent down to pick up fallen toilet paper, Rajat seized the moment. He approached her from behind, placing his hands on her hips near her buttocks and even forcing his way into the restroom alongside her. Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Lau recounted the incident, emphasizing its brazen nature.

Heroic Intervention

Fortunately, a vigilant female passenger witnessed the inappropriate behavior. She swiftly intervened, pulling the stewardess out of the restroom to safety and ensuring she had a moment to recover away from the perpetrator.

The Aftermath and Legal Consequences

Upon landing at Changi Airport, Rajat was promptly arrested. Prosecutors sought a jail term of three to six weeks due to the psychological trauma inflicted on the stewardess, who felt fear, disgust, and humiliation following the encounter.

Why Air Travel Makes Such Crimes More Serious

The prosecutor underscored the aggravating factors of the offense, noting that committing such acts on an aircraft is particularly troublesome. With limited escape routes and no immediate access to law enforcement, victims find themselves in a vulnerable position.

A Defense Based on Good Conduct

In Rajat’s defense, his lawyer, Ranjit Singh, highlighted his client’s previously clean record and good behavior at school, arguing that a fine would suffice. The defense also requested a minimal custodial sentence of just one week.

The Seriousness of Molestation Charges

Under Singaporean law, those found guilty of molestation can face severe penalties, including up to three years in prison, fines, caning, or a combination of these punishments. The case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of upholding safety and respect in shared public spaces, especially during air travel.