dmk-councillor-lawyer-arrested-for-harassing-flight-attendant

Officials of Meenambakkam All Women Police Station in Chennai on Monday arrested two men, including a councillor from the DMK, on charges of allegedly sexually harassing a flight attendant during a domestic flight from Chennai to Delhi.

 

According to police officials, the incident occurred on February 25 at around 4 pm on a private airline flight that departed from Chennai’s domestic airport to Delhi. Based on the complaint filed by the flight attendant, two male passengers, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, created a disturbance during the journey.

 

Officials said the accused argued with the cabin crew member and refused to remain seated. They allegedly stood up repeatedly and began asking her personal questions, including details about her hometown. When she responded that she was from Madurai, the men reportedly mocked her and laughed.

 

The situation escalated when the flight attendant later approached their seats in the course of her duties. The complaint alleges that the two passengers misbehaved with her during this interaction, leaving her shocked and distressed. She subsequently moved away from the area.

 

 

After the flight returned to Chennai from Delhi on February 26, the flight attendant lodged a formal complaint at the Meenambakkam All Women Police Station, detailing the alleged harassment.

 

The police examined passenger seating records and identified the accused through their seat numbers. One of the accused was identified as Prabhakaran (36), a councillor representing Thiruvallur district from the DMK. The second accused was identified as Thiyaku (36), a practising lawyer.

 

A case was registered under the relevant provisions related to crimes against women and the Aviation Safety Act. The accused were summoned for questioning on February 26, but did not appear before the police.

 

Subsequently, police received information that the two men were returning to Chennai from Delhi on another private flight. Officers waited at the airport and arrested them upon arrival at around 5 pm. They were taken to the police station for inquiry and later produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody.