An Indian national has been charged with sexual assault after allegedly attacking a fellow passenger during a Scoot Airlines flight from Singapore to Perth, Australia, on Monday.
Sudhir Kumar Chahuan, 52, was taken into custody by the Australian Federal Police upon landing in Perth after the alleged assault was reported by the victim to airline staff during the flight. According to the AFP, Chahuan allegedly sexually assaulted the woman seated next to him while the aircraft was in transit. After the victim reported the incident, airline staff moved her to a different seat and kept the suspect under watch for the remainder of the flight while alerting law enforcement ahead of landing.
Chahuan has been charged with sexual intercourse without consent and multiple counts of indecency without consent. He is scheduled to appear at a bail hearing on Friday.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal emphasised that passengers have a legal right to safety aboard aircraft and urged anyone who experiences unwanted contact to report it immediately. “Every passenger has the right to feel safe when traveling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers,” Brindal said. “Any travelers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly.”
