As video goes viral, ‘molestation’ accused says being framed

Airfield police station in-charge Rashmi Ranjan Sahoo said an FIR was lodged under section 354(A) of the IPC.

The designer then took a video of her lambasting the businessman for his “lewd behaviour” that she later shared on Facebook.

A few days after a video of a woman passenger alleging misbehaviour by a 62-year-old businessman on a flight went viral on social media and resulted in the filing of an FIR, the accused on Tuesday said he was being framed and would be exonerated by the courts.

A fashion designer from Bokaro had alleged that onboard an IndiGo Airlines flight on January 27, a male passenger seated behind her touched her inappropriately as the flight was landing in Bhubaneswar. The designer then took a video of her lambasting the businessman for his “lewd behaviour” that she later shared on Facebook.

Soon after landing in Bhubaneswar, she lodged a complaint at the Airfield police station against the male passenger, who was identified as Ravin Jhunjhunwala, a businessman.

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Airfield police station in-charge Rashmi Ranjan Sahoo said an FIR was lodged under section 354(A) of the IPC, which deals with sexual harassment. “But we allowed him to go on personal remand as per the provisions of the Act,” said the inspector. Under section 354-A of IPC, the maximum punishment is 3 year jail term and fine.

Speaking to The Indian Express, the Singapore-based businessman said he has been framed. “I have full faith in the Indian legal system. The law will take its own course. The matter is under investigation and I am sure the truth will come out. I would be exonerated,” he said.

Police officials say they have questioned the IndiGo ground staff, but were still to interrogate the cabin crew.

“We have been told that since the cabin staff work on roster duty, we need to wait till their turn comes. We have given requisition to Indigo authorities for questioning the cabin crew,” said inspector Sahoo.

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