A senior pilot of chattered services has been accused of raping a 26-year-old crew member at a five-star Bengaluru hotel during a layover on November 18, 2025.
The incident took place after the crew arrived from Hyderabad and Puttaparthi for a scheduled rest before returning the next day.
The survivor lodged a zero FIR in Hyderabad, which was then transferred to the Halasuru police in Bengaluru for further investigation under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Section 63, offence of rape).
The pilot has been suspended, with both the company and local authorities vowing full cooperation and victim support.
How The Incident Unfolded
According to the FIR and police sources, the accused pilot, allegedly led his colleague-under the pretext of smoking-towards his hotel room late at night.
The woman stated that she was forcibly dragged inside and sexually assaulted. Upon returning to Hyderabad on November 19, she immediately notified her company’s management and registered a zero FIR at Begumpet Police Station the following day.
“We have booked the accused under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Both sides are being provided counselling and legal help as our investigation progresses,” explained a senior Bengaluru police official.
The aviation company has affirmed it will cooperate fully, describing its stance as “zero tolerance to any sexual harassment”.
Crew Safety Under Scrutiny
The case has reignited urgent discussions about the safety of flight crew during overnight layovers-not just in India but globally. Aviation unions and industry experts call for robust guidelines: clear policies for room allocation, upgraded background checks, and round-the-clock oversight at crew accommodations.
Recent high-profile assaults, including those in Mumbai and other international hubs, have prompted airlines to revisit and strengthen their prevention protocols.
Investigation and Legal Context
The case is now being handled within Bengaluru police jurisdiction per Indian law, as the crime location determines legal authority. Experts note that the survivor’s decision to lodge a zero FIR ensured immediate police action, setting a strong precedent for victims unsure about jurisdiction barriers.
FIRs under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita highlight the transition to new criminal codes after legal reforms in India. Police assure transparency while respecting both the survivor’s and accused’s rights.
Media reports indicate that counselling, forensic review, and official statements will shape the inquiry, with justice processes expected to be closely monitored by rights bodies and aviation regulators.
Zero FIR
A Zero FIR is a special provision in Indian law that allows a complaint for a cognizable offence-such as sexual assault or serious physical harm-to be registered at any police station, irrespective of where the crime actually took place.
This means victims can approach the nearest police station for immediate help, without worrying about territorial jurisdiction.
The FIR is given the number “zero” and then transferred to the police station where the crime occurred for investigation and regular registration.
Zero FIR was introduced after recommendations by the Justice Verma Committee and became law through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, prompted by the Nirbhaya case to ensure no victim is denied justice due to procedural delays or jurisdiction issues.
It is especially useful in cases involving travel, emergencies, or when victims are unsure of the appropriate jurisdiction.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian condemns sexual violence in all forms, offering unwavering solidarity to survivors and demanding comprehensive institutional accountability.
Cases like this illuminate the pressing need for zero-tolerance workplace policies and strong support systems for victims.
Only by fostering empathy, safeguarding dignity, and implementing reforms can society hope to eradicate workplace sexual assault in the aviation sector and beyond.
