Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) will Wednesday begin its probe into an Air India air hostess’ alleged molestation during a mid-air scuffle also involving a purser and two pilots this month.
“We have already looked into reports from the police and Air India. We have also received letters from passengers on board the flight about what they saw. Our committee members will be taking statements from the girl and those involved. They (the committee members) may even travel to Mumbai for this,” NCW chairperson Girija Vyas told reporters here Tuesday.

The 24-year-old air hostess with Air India (domestic) has said the two pilots on the flight IC 884, from Sharjah to Delhi via Lucknow, had molested her Oct 3. She complained to the NCW Oct 5. The commission, in turn, sought a report from Air India and Delhi Police on the allegation.

Vyas said there were two aspects to the case - the woman was allegedly harassed and then there was a case of possible negligence, which had to be investigated separately.

A senior NCW member said: “The panel will probe the matter in detail and submit the report in a month.”

Meanwhile, Air India’s own report on the incident contains allegations and counter-allegation - from the air hostess and her friend, the male purser, on one hand and the pilot and co-pilot on the other. The report says “the cockpit was manned at all times” while media reports indicated the the cockpit was unattended during the scuffle.