A South Korean woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by an airport ground staff member at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while she was returning home earlier this month.
The 32-year-old businesswoman had arrived in India on a tourist visa in November. The incident took place on 19 January, when she was at the airport for her return journey.
What Happened
According to the police complaint, the woman had already cleared frisking by the Central Industrial Security Force and immigration when a member of the airport’s ground staff approached her.
The accused, a 25-year-old employee, checked her boarding pass and claimed that her checked-in baggage was making a “beeping sound”. Using this as a pretext, he allegedly asked her to follow him for a manual check.
Allegations of Sexual Assault
Police said the man took the woman near a men’s washroom area and instructed her to stand in a ‘T’ position, which is commonly used during security checks. He allegedly touched her chest and private parts multiple times under the guise of manual frisking.
When the woman objected, he is accused of hugging her, thanking her, and asking her to leave.
Immediate Action and Arrest
The woman immediately alerted airport security officials after the incident. A police team reviewed CCTV footage from the airport, which supported her complaint.
Based on her statement and the video evidence, police registered a case and arrested the accused. Authorities have confirmed that the man had no authority to conduct frisking or any form of personal search of passengers.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials said further investigation is underway to determine if there were any lapses in airport security protocols or if others were involved. Airport authorities have also been informed, and internal action against the staff member is expected.
The case has once again raised serious concerns about passenger safety, misuse of authority and the need for stricter monitoring of non-security staff at major airports.
