Zaira Wasim, Dangal-fame actress who was last seen in the movie Secret Superstar, uploaded a video on social media revealing that she was molested during her flight from Delhi to Mumbai. The actress claims that a middle-aged man sitting behind her seat was molesting her by repeatedly rubbing his foot up and down her back and neck. However, since it was too dark, she couldn’t capture the man’s face.
After the flight, she posted a video on Instagram stating that the flight crew didn’t help her out when she raised the issue. However, she didn’t file any official complaint against the airline. In the video, she broke down saying that “no one will help us if we don’t decide to help ourselves and that is the worst thing.”
Read More: वसुंधरा राजे के 4 साल- जानिए.. उनके सबसे लोकप्रिय कार्यों का एक फ्लैशबैक
The accused has been identified as Vikas Sachdeva, a senior executive at an entertainment firm. The Mumbai Police has registred an FIR against Sachdeva under section 354 (IPC) and POSCO act. After identifying the man with the help of the airline, he has been sent to custody till 13th September.
What Zaira is saying?
The actress said that initially she thought it was the turbulence but when the act was repeated for 5-10 minutes she was sure it was intentional. She has claimed that the man was rubbing his foot up and down her neck and back.
What the accused is saying?
The accused has told the police that he was returning from his maternal uncle’s funeral and was very tired. He asked the crew not to disturb him and kept sleeping throughout the flight. As he kept his foot on the armrest, it accidentally touched Zaira for which he apologized when she yelled at him.
Statement from a co-passenger
As per media reports, a co-passenger has stated that he was traveling in the same flight and as soon as the plane took off, Vikas Sachdeva dozed off and when Zaira raised the issue, Sachdeva apologized and by that time the flight had already ended. He said that the only fault of Sachdeva was that he kept his foot on the armrest. Interestingly, the co-passenger and Vikas Sachdeva don’t know each other but their statements pretty much narrate the same thing.
The courtroom scene
In the courtroom, Sachdeva’s lawyer Harminder Anand has argued that the POSCO act can’t be imposed in this case because no sexual assault took place. He argued that section 7 of the POSCO act refers to sexual assault involving private parts and not back and neck.
Reactions
While Sachdeva’s family is in deep shock and claiming him to be innocent after he was taken into custody, the Dangal girl is getting all support from celebrities and fans since she posted the video. Vistara airlines has issued an apology in a series of tweets stating that they have “zero tolerance for such behaviour”.
Although many people also feel that it may be a publicity stunt or a misunderstanding on the part of the 17-year old Zaira, the investigations are going on and hopefully justice will be served.
Check out some reactions on the incident:
We are a nation where a rape happened in broad daylight and no one intervened. But we are quick to question the victim and her intentions the moment she raises her voice. So, all you cowards out there. Zaira Wasim is a brave girl, braver than all of you. 2/2
— Ravinder Randhawa (@RaviRandhawa77) December 10, 2017
Any harassment/crime against women shld be dealt with swiftly & effectively. As a mother of 2 daughters I am appalled at what happened with @zairawasimz. Hope the relevant authorities take strict action @airvistara @Ashok_Gajapathi @jayantsinha
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) December 10, 2017
