Authorities in Australia have charged a 52-year-old Indian national, Sudhir Kumar Chauhan, following after a woman alleged that he had sexually assaulted her during an international flight. The incident took place on Monday aboard a Scoot Airlines flight traveling from Singapore to Perth.

 

The victim reported the assault to the flight crew while the aircraft was still in air. Following her complaint, airline staff moved the woman to a different seat for the remainder of the journey. 

 

Crew members monitored Chauhan and alerted Australian authorities ahead of their arrival.

 

Officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) met the aircraft upon landing and took Chauhan into custody. He has been charged with sexual intercourse without consent and multiple counts of indecency without consent.

 

AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal addressed the arrest in a formal statement, noting the vulnerability of passengers in such environments.

 

“Every passenger has the right to feel safe when traveling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers,” Brindal said.

 

The Superintendent urged travelers to report any similar incidents immediately to airline staff or airport security.

 

“No act of indecency on an aircraft or at an airport is appropriate, and any travelers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly,” he added.

 

According to reports, the suspect remains in custody. He is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing this Friday.