New Delhi: An Air India cabin crew member was allegedly assaulted inside her hotel room in London. The airline confirmed the intrusion amid reports suggesting that the staffer may have been physically assaulted.
The incident took place on Thursday night at the Radisson Red Hotel in Heathrow, London, when the intruder entered the cabin crew member’s room and attempted to assault her. The crew members of multiple Air India flights were staying at the property.
Late on Saturday night, Air India stated the “unlawful incident of intrusion” that occurred at a London hotel. The airline said it is providing not only immediate assistance but also professional counselling to help her and her colleagues cope with the traumatic event.
“We are deeply anguished by an unlawful incident of intrusion at a hotel, operated by a major international chain, that affected one of our crew members. We are providing all possible support to our colleague and their broader team, including professional counselling,” the airline’s statement read.
Air India requested that the crew member’s privacy be respected, as the matter is currently under investigation by London police. The airline also confirmed its cooperation with local authorities to ensure that the incident is thoroughly probed.
However, the airline has not officially commented on reports suggesting that the crew member may have been raped.
According to The Times of India, a major tragedy was averted after the air hostess’s cries for help reached her colleagues in adjacent rooms and they quickly rushed to rescue the victim.
Looking at the colleagues rushing in, the intruder tried to run away but was eventually caught by the hotel staff. As per the report, the air hostess who was dazed after the incident suffered bruises and was taken to hospital.
The officials working for the Indian airlines assured that the woman is now back in India where she is being counselled. The incident took place after midnight at Radisson Hotel London Heathrow.
“The crew member was sleeping when an intruder attacked her in her room around 1.30 am. Startled, she woke up and screamed for help. He attacked her with a clothes hanger and dragged her on the floor as she tried to escape towards the door,” a source close to the matter told TOI.
“She was badly bruised and the intruder tried to escape. The police were called in and she was taken to a hospital. She could not fly back on duty and a friend from the crew stayed back with her,” the source furthered. The intruder was arrested and the matter is now under investigation.
