20-Year-Old Indian National Charged with Outrage of Modesty on Aircraft
The Singapore Police Force has announced that a 20-year-old male Indian national will be charged for his alleged involvement in a case of outrage of modesty that occurred on an aircraft en route to Singapore. The incident took place on February 28, 2025, at approximately 12:05 PM, when the police were alerted to a disturbing event involving a female cabin crew member.
Details of the Incident
Preliminary investigations indicate that during the flight, the 28-year-old female cabin crew member was escorting a female passenger to the lavatory. While she was bending down to pick up a piece of tissue paper on the floor, the suspect allegedly approached her from behind, forcibly grasped her, and pushed her into the lavatory with him. Fortunately, the female passenger who witnessed the incident acted quickly, assisting the cabin crew member out of the lavatory and reporting the matter to the cabin supervisor.
Upon the aircraft’s arrival at Changi Airport, officers from the Airport Police Division arrested the suspect.
Legal Proceedings
The suspect is scheduled to face charges in court on April 22, 2025, under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871, which pertains to using criminal force to a person with the intent to outrage modesty. Additionally, the charge is in accordance with Section 3 of the Tokyo Convention Act 1971. This offense carries serious penalties, including a potential imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.
Police Stance on Sexual Offenses
The Police have reiterated their firm stance against sexual offenders who commit indecent acts that cause alarm, distress, and harassment to others, whether on aircraft or in public spaces. They are committed to addressing such offenses with the utmost seriousness.
AC M Malathi, Commander of the Airport Police Division, emphasized the importance of protecting airline staff and passengers from any form of sexual harassment or assault. He stated, “We take such incidents seriously as cabin crew are trained professionals dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers.”
Conclusion
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to sexual offenses in various environments, including air travel. The swift action taken by the police highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety of both airline staff and passengers. The Police encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses such incidents to report them immediately, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for all.