Indian man jailed in Singapore for molesting flight attendant while friends laughed
A Singapore court jailed Indian national Akash Tiwari for molesting a flight attendant and causing her distress on a Singapore Airlines flight. The case detailed repeated onboard misconduct, with the crew member left shaken before police arrested him at Changi Airport.
A Singapore court has sentenced a 35-year-old Indian national to six months in jail for molesting a flight attendant and causing her distress during a Singapore Airlines flight earlier this year.
Akash Tiwari was also ordered to pay compensation of about S$1,270 (US$982) to the victim, covering emotional trauma and medical expenses. He pleaded guilty to one count of molestation and one count of causing distress through threatening behaviour.
According to court proceedings, the incident took place on a Singapore-bound flight in February. The victim's identity and details of the flight have not been disclosed under a court gag order.
The court heard that Tiwari was travelling with four friends and the group was reportedly behaving in a rowdy manner throughout the flight. Cabin crew observed them repeatedly waving at female flight attendants and laughing whenever they passed through the aisle.
The first incident occurred before take-off when the victim approached the group to confirm meal preferences. While speaking to her, Tiwari allegedly stretched out his arm and brushed against her upper thigh. The victim was shocked by the contact, while Tiwari and his friends reportedly laughed, CNA reported.
After informing her supervisor, the flight attendant was advised to avoid serving passengers in Tiwari's aisle. However, a second incident took place later while she was collecting meal trays and pushing a service cart through the cabin.
The court heard that Tiwari deliberately leaned out of his seat and swerved towards the flight attendant, and again touched her inappropriately. The victim immediately confronted him and told him not to touch her. Instead of apologising, Tiwari allegedly smirked, causing further distress.
The situation escalated when one of Tiwari's friends reportedly laughed and remarked that he would like to have a beer and watch the "show", referring to the victim's reaction.
The flight attendant then reported the incident to the chief flight stewardess, who accompanied her to confront Tiwari. Despite the complaint, he allegedly remained unapologetic and denied any wrongdoing.
As the aircraft prepared for landing, the victim went to the galley to formally report the incident. Tiwari allegedly followed her into the confined area, stood extremely close to her and ignored repeated requests to stay away.
Feeling trapped and frightened, the flight attendant shouted at him to stop following her and moved towards a passenger aisle, with Tiwari continuing behind her. Witnesses onboard reportedly saw the confrontation unfold.
The victim later sought assistance from senior cabin crew members. She was described as being in tears, visibly frightened and shaking from the ordeal.
Following a report by the flight captain, authorities at Singapore's Changi Airport were alerted before the aircraft landed. Tiwari was subsequently arrested after a police report was lodged.
During sentencing, prosecutors argued that the misconduct was aggravated by the behaviour of Tiwari's companions, whose laughter and comments contributed to the victim's humiliation and distress.
The court ultimately imposed a six-month jail term and ordered compensation for the victim, underscoring Singapore's tough stance on offences involving sexual misconduct and harassment.
A Singapore court has sentenced a 35-year-old Indian national to six months in jail for molesting a flight attendant and causing her distress during a Singapore Airlines flight earlier this year.
Akash Tiwari was also ordered to pay compensation of about S$1,270 (US$982) to the victim, covering emotional trauma and medical expenses. He pleaded guilty to one count of molestation and one count of causing distress through threatening behaviour.
According to court proceedings, the incident took place on a Singapore-bound flight in February. The victim's identity and details of the flight have not been disclosed under a court gag order.
The court heard that Tiwari was travelling with four friends and the group was reportedly behaving in a rowdy manner throughout the flight. Cabin crew observed them repeatedly waving at female flight attendants and laughing whenever they passed through the aisle.
The first incident occurred before take-off when the victim approached the group to confirm meal preferences. While speaking to her, Tiwari allegedly stretched out his arm and brushed against her upper thigh. The victim was shocked by the contact, while Tiwari and his friends reportedly laughed, CNA reported.
After informing her supervisor, the flight attendant was advised to avoid serving passengers in Tiwari's aisle. However, a second incident took place later while she was collecting meal trays and pushing a service cart through the cabin.
The court heard that Tiwari deliberately leaned out of his seat and swerved towards the flight attendant, and again touched her inappropriately. The victim immediately confronted him and told him not to touch her. Instead of apologising, Tiwari allegedly smirked, causing further distress.
The situation escalated when one of Tiwari's friends reportedly laughed and remarked that he would like to have a beer and watch the "show", referring to the victim's reaction.
The flight attendant then reported the incident to the chief flight stewardess, who accompanied her to confront Tiwari. Despite the complaint, he allegedly remained unapologetic and denied any wrongdoing.
As the aircraft prepared for landing, the victim went to the galley to formally report the incident. Tiwari allegedly followed her into the confined area, stood extremely close to her and ignored repeated requests to stay away.
Feeling trapped and frightened, the flight attendant shouted at him to stop following her and moved towards a passenger aisle, with Tiwari continuing behind her. Witnesses onboard reportedly saw the confrontation unfold.
The victim later sought assistance from senior cabin crew members. She was described as being in tears, visibly frightened and shaking from the ordeal.
Following a report by the flight captain, authorities at Singapore's Changi Airport were alerted before the aircraft landed. Tiwari was subsequently arrested after a police report was lodged.
During sentencing, prosecutors argued that the misconduct was aggravated by the behaviour of Tiwari's companions, whose laughter and comments contributed to the victim's humiliation and distress.
The court ultimately imposed a six-month jail term and ordered compensation for the victim, underscoring Singapore's tough stance on offences involving sexual misconduct and harassment.
