• A 20-year-old Indian national has been charged for allegedly molesting a cabin crew member.
• The incident took place during a Singapore Airlines flight on February 28.
• The accused may face up to three years in jail if convicted.

A 20-year-old Indian national, identified only as Rajat, is set to face charges in Singapore for allegedly molesting a 28-year-old cabin crew member on February 28 during a flight arriving from Australia. The incident occurred around 12:05 PM local time while the victim was escorting a passenger to the lavatory and noticed tissue on the floor, leading her to bend down to pick it up. At that moment, it is alleged that the accused grasped her and pushed her into the lavatory with him, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

Witnessing the assault, a female passenger intervened and assisted the crew member in escaping the lavatory. The incident was reported to the cabin supervisor promptly, leading to Rajat's arrest upon arrival at Changi Airport by officers from the Airport Police Division. The suspect is now charged with using criminal force with the intent to outrage modesty, facing a potential penalty of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, caning, or any combination thereof, as noted by South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Rajat appeared in court on Tuesday, expressing his intention to plead guilty, and the case is set to be heard again on May 14. The Singapore Police Force emphasized their commitment to protecting airline staff from harassment and sexual assault during flights, as underscored by Assistant Commissioner M Malathi of the Airport Police Division, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.