Businessman accused of assaulting air hostess

Praveen Menon

• Last Updated: October 01. 2009 3:14PM UAE / October 1. 2009 11:14AM GMT

DUBAI // Indian police have arrested a UAE national for allegedly groping an air hostess during an Emirates Airline’s flight from Dubai to Hyderabad.

The businessman was charged by airport police after the woman registered a complaint, according to media reports in India. He is being held on charges of assault, or use of “criminal force with intent to outrage her modesty”, reports said.

The incident was said to have occurred on Monday night on a flight to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. The passenger allegedly began misbehaving with an air hostess after boarding, and continued during the flight.

The woman raised the alarm and he was detained by crew members. When the flight landed, a complaint was registered with airport police.

The accused is expected to appear in court soon.

The airline confirmed the incident but refused to give details. “[The incident] is being dealt with by the police in India,” it said in a statement. “We have no further comment on the matter.”



pmenon@thenational.ae