Air India staff molests South Korean tourist at Bengaluru airport, terminated
The incident allegedly occurred on January 19, after the woman had completed immigration formalities and was approached by the accused, identified as Afan Ahmed, who claimed he needed to conduct a baggage inspection.
A Korean tourist has accused an Air India staff member at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport of sexually molesting her under the pretext of checking her ticket and baggage.
The woman, Kim Sung Kyung, consented to reveal her identity while speaking to India Today TV about the incident. She added that the experience did not tarnish her perception of the country and expressed hope for improved airport security.
The incident allegedly occurred on January 19, after the woman had completed immigration formalities and was approached by the accused, identified as Afan Ahmed, who claimed he needed to conduct a baggage inspection.
According to the FIR, Ahmed told the tourist that there was a beeping sound in her check-in baggage. He claimed that a detailed counter check would delay her flight and suggested performing a personal check instead.
He then allegedly took the woman near a washroom, where he touched her chest and private parts repeatedly, pressed her chest, and later hugged her from behind without her consent.
When she resisted, he reportedly said, “OK, thank you,” and walked away.
Shocked by the incident, the woman immediately lodged a complaint with airport security. Acting on her report, authorities detained Ahmed and handed him over to the police.
Based on the FIR, the police have registered a case against the accused and launched a formal investigation.
Hours later, it came to light that the accused was not a Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) staff member but an Air India employee. Calling the act unpardonable, the Air India SATS terminated the employee and launched an inqurity into the incident.
"An unpardonable incident was reported at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The employee involved was immediately terminated and handed over to the authorities for further legal action. We deeply regret the emotional distress caused by the incident and have extended all necessary support to the guest. A comprehensive inquiry is underway to strengthen safeguards and prevent any recurrence. AISATS is fully cooperating with the authorities and remains committed to the highest standards of ethics, safety, and compliance," AISATS said in an official statement.
A Korean tourist has accused an Air India staff member at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport of sexually molesting her under the pretext of checking her ticket and baggage.
The woman, Kim Sung Kyung, consented to reveal her identity while speaking to India Today TV about the incident. She added that the experience did not tarnish her perception of the country and expressed hope for improved airport security.
The incident allegedly occurred on January 19, after the woman had completed immigration formalities and was approached by the accused, identified as Afan Ahmed, who claimed he needed to conduct a baggage inspection.
According to the FIR, Ahmed told the tourist that there was a beeping sound in her check-in baggage. He claimed that a detailed counter check would delay her flight and suggested performing a personal check instead.
He then allegedly took the woman near a washroom, where he touched her chest and private parts repeatedly, pressed her chest, and later hugged her from behind without her consent.
When she resisted, he reportedly said, “OK, thank you,” and walked away.
Shocked by the incident, the woman immediately lodged a complaint with airport security. Acting on her report, authorities detained Ahmed and handed him over to the police.
Based on the FIR, the police have registered a case against the accused and launched a formal investigation.
Hours later, it came to light that the accused was not a Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) staff member but an Air India employee. Calling the act unpardonable, the Air India SATS terminated the employee and launched an inqurity into the incident.
"An unpardonable incident was reported at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The employee involved was immediately terminated and handed over to the authorities for further legal action. We deeply regret the emotional distress caused by the incident and have extended all necessary support to the guest. A comprehensive inquiry is underway to strengthen safeguards and prevent any recurrence. AISATS is fully cooperating with the authorities and remains committed to the highest standards of ethics, safety, and compliance," AISATS said in an official statement.