Bengaluru: A South Korean national was allegedly sexually harassed by a ground staff member at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru during a purported security check, police said on Thursday. The incident took place at Terminal 2 while the woman was completing immigration formalities before boarding a flight to South Korea.
The accused has been identified as Mohammed Affan Ahamed (25), a contractual employee of a private airline. He was arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on January 19.
According to the police complaint, the staffer approached the passenger claiming that a beeping sound was emanating from her bag. On the pretext of carrying out a routine security check, he allegedly persuaded her to move to a secluded area near the men’s washroom.
Police said the accused then claimed he needed to conduct a manual frisk and allegedly touched the woman inappropriately several times and hugged her. When the passenger strongly resisted and raised objections, the accused fled the spot.
The woman immediately reported the incident to airport security personnel. Following her complaint, the accused was detained at the airport and later arrested by the police.
Authorities said further investigation is underway to ascertain all circumstances surrounding the incident. Airport officials are also reviewing security protocols and staff conduct in light of the allegations.
