Indian man jailed for molesting, cornering SIA flight attendant

Dhaka: An Indian national has been sentenced to six months in jail for molesting a Singapore Airlines flight attendant and later cornering her in the aircraft's galley during a flight from Bangkok to Singapore.

Akash Tiwari, 35, pleaded guilty to one count each of molestation and harassment. On June 22, he was also ordered to pay SGD 1,270.95 in compensation, failing which he faces five additional days in custody.

The incident took place on February 9. Tiwari was traveling with four friends who grew rowdy mid-flight, waving and laughing whenever the female crew member walked past.

The harassment began before takeoff in Bangkok, when the victim was confirming meal orders. Tiwari stretched his arm to brush against her thigh, prompting laughter from his friends.

The victim immediately reported the incident to the chief stewardess and was reassigned to a different aisle. Tiwari struck again, nudging her buttock with his elbow as she collected meal trays.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Lynda Lee told the court the victim was visibly upset and told Tiwari not to touch her, but he merely smirked instead of apologizing.

When confronted by the victim and the chief stewardess, Tiwari remained unapologetic and denied any wrongdoing.

As the captain announced the descent, the victim retreated to the galley, but Tiwari followed, standing uncomfortably close and ignoring her repeated requests to stay away.

The DPP said Tiwari cornered the victim in the galley, continuing the same threatening behavior despite her pleas. Passengers in the aisle witnessed the confrontation.

The victim shouted for him to stop and tried to leave, but he kept pursuing her. She was left in tears, shaking and visibly frightened, before the chief stewardess intervened and the harassment finally stopped.

Tiwari was arrested as soon as the aircraft landed in Singapore.