Bengaluru: A 29-year-old South Korean woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a ground staff member at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru, prompting swift police action and arrest of the accused.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the woman, who arrived on an international flight at around 10 pm, approached ground staff for assistance with her oversized baggage. The accused, identified as 28-year-old Mohammed Altaf, a loader with a private handling agency, offered help, escorted her to a secluded spot near the conveyor belt, where he allegedly groped and molested her. He fled the scene when the woman raised an alarm.
She subsequently filed a complaint at the Devanahalli police station under IPC sections for assault on modesty and outraging dignity.
Police tracked Altaf via CCTV footage within hours, arresting him from his Yelahanka residence. Interrogation revealed that there were similar complaints against him made earlier. CISF and airport security aided in the probe reviewing footage confirming the assault lasted under two minutes.
Altaf confessed to the crime, claiming a “momentary lapse”. He has been placed under suspension.
Bengaluru airport authorities condemned the act and cooperating with the investigation. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has ordered a high-level inquiry, vowing zero tolerance. Korean Embassy officials met the victim, offering support.
Meanwhile, women’s rights groups have demanded enhanced surveillance and gender sensitization training for staff.
