A 39-year-old man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly molesting Dangal actor onboard a Delhi-Mumbai flight. Deputy Commissioner of Police Anil Kumbhare said that he will be produced in the court on Monday.
The accused has been identified as Vikash Sachdev.
Sachdev has been booked under section 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of IPC, and relevant sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) since the actor is a minor, Senior Police Inspector, Sahar, Lata Shirsat, said.
The incident came to light after the 'Secret Superstar' actor took to photo-blogging site Instagram and shared her dreadful experience through a live-video to the world.
In the video posted on Instagram, one can see teary-eyed teen actor narrating an ordeal.
She said, "The man allegedly put his feet on the armrest of her chair and was touching her neck and her back with his feet."
"I just landed, the whole irony of this that I yelled… and this is not done… this is not how you should be treated or made to feel… this is terrible," she is heard saying in the video while wiping away her tears.
"Is this how you’re going to take care of girls?" she added.
The 17-year-old actress tried to record the incident but due to dim lights failed to do the same. She managed to get a screenshot of the man's misdeed in which he is seen sticking his leg trying to touch her inappropriately.
The Dangal girl got no help from the flight crew even on complaining and ends her video saying, "Who is going to help us Girls? If we don't help ourselves, nobody will come ahead".
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Air Vistara in an official statement said "We are deeply concerned and regret the unfortunate experience she had onboard our flight last night. We continue to give this case our highest attention and are extending our full support to all relevant authorities for the investigations underway."
The company added "In addition, we have submitted an initial incident report to the DGCA, and have also submitted all necessary details to the Police. Members of our senior management have flown to Mumbai to meet Ms. Wasim and assist in the investigation process."
"Ensuring safety and security of our customers is of paramount importance to us, and we stand firm against any kind of harassment or such behaviour towards any individual.”
While the airline has come forward to support the 'Dangal' girl in every possible way, NCW Chairperson, Rekha Sharma criticises them saying "I would like to tell Vistara that if they have zero tolerance why they have not named this person till now. Naming them is very very important."
"We would like to tell Zaira that we are there to help her out in any way we can," Rekha Sharma added.
Terming the incident as 'shameful', Maharashtra State Commission for Women's (MSCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said they will seek a detailed inquiry into it from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
"The commission will direct the DGCA to conduct an inquiry into the matter and will also inquire into the steps taken by Vistara to address the complaint," Rahatkar said.
She demanded that there should also be an inquiry into why the cabin crew did not help the actor.
"We have directed the Mumbai police to look into the matter immediately. It is sad that none of the co-passengers came ahead to help Wasim.
We are with her, and will ensure she gets justice," Rahatkar said.
Meanwhile, a woman police official has been sent to the hotel in Mumbai where the actor is put up to record her statement, a senior police official said.
Based on her statement, appropriate action will be taken in this connection, the official said, adding that no case has been registered so far.
Ministry of Civil Aviation and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have sought details from Air Vistara over the alleged molestation of the actress.
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After people across the country slammed the awful incident on the Delhi-Mumbai flight on Saturday, Mumbai Police has registered FIR against the unknown person under section 354 IPC & POCSO Act.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also demanded action against the male passenger.
"The passenger should be identified to the police by @airvistara & a case filed for legal action. None of this "he fell at my feet so I forgive him" rubbish!" Abdullah posted on Twitter.
Condemning the incident, Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said a criminal offence should be registered against the male passenger and he should be asked to apologise for the indecent behaviour.
"Those travelling by airlines usually work in good positions in companies. If the owners of such companies do not take suitable action against such employees their conduct will never change," Gorhe said.
Apparently, Wrestler Babita Phogat took to micro-blogging site Twitter and posted a video in support of the actress.
"I appeal to all Girls #BeStrong #womerpower #ZairaWasim," Phogat captioned the video.
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