Mahua Moitra, a Trinamool Congress MP, alleges she faced harassment from a group of men on a Delhi-bound flight from Kolkata on January 2nd. She claims a group of individuals repeatedly tried to engage her in conversation despite her clear disinterest, and subsequently made lewd and threatening comments as she attempted to ignore them.
Moitra detailed the incident on social media, stating the men allegedly made remarks about her appearance and political affiliation, and even threatened to “fix” her. She reported the incident to the airline, IndiGo, and filed a complaint with the Delhi Police.
IndiGo has acknowledged the incident and stated they are cooperating with the police investigation. They confirmed receiving a complaint and are providing all necessary assistance. Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on Moitra’s complaint, invoking sections related to outraging modesty, stalking, and intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
The police investigation is currently underway, and they are reviewing CCTV footage from the flight and interviewing witnesses. Moitra has expressed her gratitude to the cabin crew for their support during the incident, but also criticized the initial response as inadequate. She emphasized the need for a stronger response to such behavior to ensure the safety and dignity of passengers, particularly women.
Several political figures have expressed support for Moitra and condemned the alleged harassment. The incident has sparked a wider discussion about safety and harassment on flights and the responsibility of airlines and authorities to address such issues effectively. Moitra has stated she will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
