In Jaipur, a SpiceJet employee was arrested on Thursday for allegedly slapping a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer during a security screening dispute. The airline has described the incident as a "serious case of sexual harassment."
STORY | SpiceJet employee slaps CISF man in argument over security check at Jaipur airport, arrested
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 11, 2024
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CCTV footage captured the confrontation, showing the CISF officer speaking to the woman, who then suddenly steps forward and slaps him. A female constable intervenes and escorts the woman away.
Anuradha Rani, the SpiceJet employee, has been charged with assault based on a complaint from Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Giriraj Prasad. SpiceJet has also filed a complaint with local authorities and announced immediate legal action. A local court has placed Rani in judicial custody.
SpiceJet's Position and CISF's Response
SpiceJet claims their employee was subjected to inappropriate language, with the CISF officer allegedly asking her to "meet him after his duty hours at his home." While police initially identified Rani as a food supervisor, the airline clarified she is a female security staff member.
"The woman has been arrested and her statement is being taken. She has also lodged a complaint. We are verifying the facts and will take appropriate action," said DCP Kavendra Singh.
According to the CISF complaint, the altercation began when Rani was stopped by ASI Prasad at the vehicle gate for allegedly not having valid permission. She did have a valid airport entry pass, but was asked to wait for screening at another entrance as no female CISF personnel were available.
SHO Ram Lal from the Jaipur airport police station stated that the ASI called a female colleague for the security check, but the argument escalated, leading to Rani slapping him.
SpiceJet stated, "While escorting a catering vehicle, our female security staff member with a valid airport entry pass issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) was subjected to inappropriate language by the CISF personnel, including being asked to meet him after his duty hours at his home. We stand firmly by our employee and are committed to providing her with full support."
CISF officials dismissed the sexual harassment allegations as an "afterthought" after refusing a mutual compromise. They stated that CCTV footage showed the woman hitting the officer without provocation. A deputy inspector general (DIG)-rank officer of the CISF is set to review the situation.
The CISF, responsible for counter-terrorist security at Jaipur airport and 67 other civil aviation facilities in India, is conducting a thorough inquiry. Police have charged the SpiceJet employee under sections 121 (1) (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty) and 132 (assaulting a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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