A 52-year-old Indian national has been arrested in Australia after being accused of sexually assaulting (rape) a fellow passenger on a flight.
The accused, identified as Sudhir Kumar Chahuan, was travelling on a Scoot Airlines flight from Singapore to Perth when the incident allegedly took place. According to reports, the woman seated next to him raised an alert after the alleged assault. The cabin crew responded immediately and shifted her to another seat to ensure her safety.
Airline staff also informed authorities during the flight and kept the accused under observation for the remainder of the journey. Once the flight landed at Perth Airport, officers boarded the aircraft, detained the man, and took him into custody for further questioning.
The Australian Federal Police later confirmed that he has been charged with serious offences, including sexual intercourse without consent and multiple counts of indecent behavior. One of the charges reportedly carries a maximum punishment of up to 12 years in prison under Australian law.
Officials have emphasized that passenger safety is a top priority, especially in confined environments like aircraft. Authorities also urged victims of any inappropriate behavior during travel to immediately inform airline staff or security personnel so that prompt action can be taken.
The accused has been presented before a court and is currently in custody, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming days.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict monitoring and quick response mechanisms on flights to ensure passenger safety.
