SpiceJet passenger clicks improper photos of air hostess on Delhi-Mumbai flight; DCW takes action

SpiceJet passenger clicks improper photos of air hostess on Delhi-Mumbai flight; DCW takes action

 

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has proactively recognized a video circulating on the social media platform Instagram that highlights an incident of alleged sexual harassment by a passenger on a SpiceJet flight. In response, the DCW has initiated action by sending official notices to both the Delhi Police and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The commission’s action indicates its commitment to addressing and investigating incidents of sexual harassment and ensuring the safety of passengers on flights. The incident underscores the importance of swift and effective responses to such incidents to maintain a safe environment for air travelers.

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has taken proactive notice of a video circulating on Instagram, depicting a disturbing incident of alleged sexual harassment involving a passenger on a SpiceJet flight during a journey from Delhi to Mumbai. The video showcases the passenger secretly capturing videos and inappropriate photographs of a flight attendant and other women on the flight. The clip has garnered significant attention due to its serious nature and implications.

Swati Maliwal, the chairperson of DCW, expressed deep concern about the incident through a tweet on Friday. She highlighted the gravity of the matter, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Maliwal mentioned that the video has gone viral on Instagram, drawing widespread attention to the alleged sexual harassment incident. She referred to the incident as a severe violation that demands prompt intervention and resolution.

In light of the disturbing situation, the DCW has decided to take concrete steps to address the issue. The commission has initiated the issuance of official notices to two key authorities – the Delhi Police and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This move reflects the DCW’s commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of passengers, especially women, during flights. By formally notifying both law enforcement and aviation regulatory bodies, the DCW seeks to instigate a thorough investigation into the matter and hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions.

The incident highlights the significance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of individuals, especially women, during their travel experiences. Swift and decisive action is essential to maintain a secure and respectful environment for all passengers. The DCW’s proactive approach sends a strong message about its dedication to addressing issues of sexual harassment and protecting the well-being of individuals within the aviation sector.

This incident serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts required to ensure safety and respect for all, particularly in public spaces like flights, and underscores the role of authorities in upholding such standards.

The DCW’s notice detailed the distressing incident that reportedly occurred on SpiceJet flight No 157, en route from Delhi to Mumbai on August 16. The notice outlined the allegations raised in the viral video, which indicated that a male passenger engaged in the inappropriate act of attempting to capture obscene photographs of a female flight attendant and another woman co-passenger. The incident, as depicted in the video, revealed an unsettling breach of privacy and disregard for the dignity of the women involved.

The notice further highlighted that upon investigating the matter, it was discovered that the passenger’s mobile phone contained objectionable images of the women on board the flight. The content of the notice underscored the seriousness of the allegations, indicating a violation of ethical boundaries and potentially constituting a criminal offense.

By bringing this incident to the attention of the Delhi Police and the DGCA, the DCW aimed to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to investigate the matter thoroughly. The notice serves as a formal step towards seeking accountability for the alleged perpetrator’s actions and protecting the rights and safety of the individuals who were subjected to the inappropriate behavior.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone, particularly within confined spaces like airplanes, where passengers should feel secure and free from any form of harassment or misconduct. The DCW’s decision to intervene demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of women and promoting a culture of zero tolerance for any form of harassment, both in public spaces and private settings.

In the notice issued by the DCW, Swati Maliwal, the chairperson, made a formal request for specific information and actions related to the incident. She emphasized the urgency and significance of addressing the matter promptly and thoroughly.

Maliwal’s notice outlined two primary requests. Firstly, she sought a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) that has been filed in connection with the incident. This request reflects the DCW’s interest in acquiring official documentation related to the legal proceedings initiated in response to the alleged incident. The FIR serves as a critical document that outlines the basis of the case and the initial steps taken by law enforcement authorities.

Secondly, Maliwal requested information concerning any individuals who have been apprehended as suspects in relation to the incident. She specified a deadline of August 23 for providing this information. This indicates the DCW’s desire to stay informed about the progress of the investigation and the actions taken by the relevant authorities to address the matter.

In her message, Maliwal also indicated that if the accused individual has not been arrested, she expects to receive detailed reasons for the delay or lack of apprehension. This aligns with the DCW’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.

Maliwal’s notice conveyed the gravity of the situation and the DCW’s expectation that a comprehensive action report will be shared with the Commission. By expressing the urgency of the matter and the importance of timely and appropriate response, Maliwal reinforced the DCW’s dedication to ensuring justice and protection for the victims of the alleged incident.

A few months back, an incident resembling the recent one occurred on a SpiceJet flight flying from Delhi to Hyderabad. In this case, two passengers were removed from the flight at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi. The decision to remove them was prompted by allegations of inappropriate physical contact by one of the passengers towards a cabin crew member, as well as disruptive behavior exhibited before the flight’s scheduled departure.

Once the incident was reported, airport security personnel intervened and took custody of both passengers involved. The situation escalated to the point where authorities felt it necessary to remove them from the flight for the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members.

Subsequently, the Delhi Police became involved in the matter and initiated a formal case in response to the incident. This demonstrated the serious nature of the allegations and the authorities’ commitment to investigating and addressing any violations of passenger conduct and safety protocols.

This incident highlights the importance of enforcing appropriate behavior and safety standards on flights. The proactive response by both the airline and airport security personnel showcases the commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew members. It also underlines the crucial role played by law enforcement agencies in addressing such incidents and taking appropriate legal actions as needed.

The incident took place shortly after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a fine of ₹30 lakh on Air India for its handling of an incident that occurred on a flight originating from New York and destined for New Delhi in November. During this incident, a male passenger from Mumbai was reported to have urinated on a female co-passenger.

The DGCA’s investigation into the matter revealed shortcomings in Air India’s response to the situation. The aviation authority found the airline’s actions in addressing the incident to be inadequate and not in line with established safety protocols and passenger welfare standards. As a consequence of these findings, the Pilot in Command of the flight had their license suspended for a period of three months.

The DGCA’s decision to impose a significant penalty on Air India underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment for passengers on board flights. The incident involving inappropriate behavior and the subsequent suspension of the pilot’s license serve as a reminder that airlines must prioritize passenger safety and well-being while adhering to established regulations.

Such incidents emphasize the role of aviation authorities in ensuring that airlines take appropriate actions to address disruptive or inappropriate behavior on flights. By imposing penalties and suspensions, authorities aim to discourage such incidents and maintain the highest standards of safety, security, and passenger comfort throughout air travel experiences.