Singapore, April 23 - In a troubling incident that has further highlighted concerns about passenger behavior on international flights, a 20-year-old Indian national identified only as Rajat was charged in a Singapore court on April 22, 2025, for allegedly molesting a 28-year-old Singapore Airlines flight attendant. The incident occurred on February 28, 2025, aboard a flight from Australia to Singapore, adding to a series of recent cases involving misconduct on Singapore Airlines flights. According to court documents and police statements, the assault took place around 11:20 a.m. local time, when the flight attendant was assisting a female passenger to the lavatory.
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The Singapore Police Force detailed that the flight attendant noticed a piece of tissue paper on the floor and bent down to pick it up. At that moment, Rajat allegedly approached her from behind, grabbed her, and forcibly pushed her into the lavatory with him. The situation was quickly interrupted by a female passenger who witnessed the incident and intervened, helping the flight attendant escape. The matter was promptly reported to the cabin supervisor, and upon the flight’s arrival at Changi Airport, officers from the Airport Police Division arrested Rajat. He faces charges of using criminal force with the intent to outrage modesty, an offense under Singapore law that carries a potential penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.
During his court appearance, Rajat indicated his intention to plead guilty, with the case scheduled to resume on May 14, 2025. The incident has drawn significant attention, as it marks the second molestation case involving Singapore Airlines reported in April 2025. Earlier in the month, a 73-year-old former bank manager, Balasubramanian Ramesh, was sentenced to nine months in jail after pleading guilty to molesting four cabin crew members on a November 2024 flight from San Francisco to Singapore. Court records revealed that Balasubramanian targeted the women because he found them “attractive,” committing the offenses over a 14-hour period during the 17-hour flight. Unlike Balasubramanian, who was confirmed to have consumed no alcohol, details about Rajat’s state during the incident were not disclosed in court.
These cases underscore the challenges faced by cabin crew members, who are trained to ensure passenger safety and comfort but are increasingly vulnerable to harassment and assault. The Singapore Police Force emphasized their commitment to protecting airline staff, stating that such incidents are taken seriously. Singapore Airlines has not publicly commented on the latest case, but the airline’s reputation for exceptional service has been tested by this string of incidents. As air travel continues to recover post-pandemic, these events highlight the need for stricter measures to address unruly passenger behavior and ensure a safe environment for all onboard.