Bengaluru: A ground staff employee at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a South Korean woman under the pretext of a security inspection, police said on Thursday.
According to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) Police, the incident occurred on January 19, 2026, when the woman had arrived at the airport to board a flight to South Korea. After completing immigration formalities, the accused allegedly approached her under the guise of checking her flight ticket and checked-in baggage.
In an official statement, airport police confirmed that the accused, identified as Affaann Ahmed, was taken into custody following a complaint lodged by the passenger. “An incident of sexual harassment under the pretext of inspection has been reported at Kempegowda International Airport. The accused staffer has been arrested for sexually harassing a foreign national,” the statement said.
Allegations and Sequence of Events
Police said the accused claimed that a beeping sound was emanating from the woman’s baggage during the ticket inspection. He allegedly told her that a separate and detailed check was required and warned that conducting the inspection at the counter could delay her flight.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused then took the woman near the men’s washroom area, stating that a personal check was necessary. Police said the inspection was conducted under false pretences.
The complaint alleges that, under the guise of a security check, the accused touched the woman inappropriately, including her chest and private parts, and later hugged her from behind without her consent.
When the woman resisted and objected, the accused reportedly disengaged and walked away from the spot.
Swift Action and Employer Response
The victim immediately approached airport security personnel and filed a complaint. Security staff promptly detained the accused and handed him over to the airport police.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the airport premises, which police said corroborated the sequence of events described by the complainant.
Following the incident, Air India SATS (AISATS), the ground handling agency, said the employee involved was immediately terminated and handed over to authorities. “We deeply regret the emotional distress caused to the guest and have extended all necessary support. A comprehensive internal inquiry is underway to strengthen safeguards and prevent any recurrence,” the company said in a statement, adding that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Legal Action
Based on the complaint and supporting evidence, the Kempegowda Airport Police have registered a case against the accused under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to sexual harassment. Further investigation is ongoing.
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