In a disturbing incident aboard a Pune-Nagpur flight, a 32-year-old man was apprehended by the police for allegedly molesting a 40-year-old woman co-passenger. The unfortunate event occurred on Monday during the journey, leaving the victim, a resident of Chandrapur en route to Nagpur for her father’s final rites, deeply distressed.
The accused, identified as Feroze Shaikh, an engineer residing in Pune’s Kondhwa area, allegedly made unwelcome advances towards the grieving woman upon landing at Nagpur airport. Fortunately, a vigilant Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan, who happened to be on board, intervened promptly. He courageously restrained Shaikh and promptly reported the incident to the authorities.
Shaikh now faces legal consequences under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354 (assaulting or using criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354 (a) (sexual harassment), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman). The police are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.
This incident underscores the importance of collective vigilance and immediate action in ensuring the safety and security of all passengers, especially women, while traveling. It also serves as a reminder that society must stand united against such reprehensible behavior, fostering an environment where everyone can travel without fear or harassment.