In Gurugram, a 28-year-old cabin crew supervisor has accused a male colleague of attempting to sexually assault her in a hotel room after a late-night halt on an official work journey, police confirmed.
The FIR names the accused under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal force and attempted disrobing; he remains at large as police pursue evidence and await key statements.
A woman cabin crew supervisor, employed with a domestic airline and based in Delhi, filed a complaint with Gurugram’s Sector-29 police station on 8 February, alleging that her colleague attempted to sexually assault her in a hotel room late at night.
According to the FIR, the two had travelled from Delhi to Dehradun on 7 February on official duty. On their return journey, the complainant alleged the man drove approximately 250 kilometres in the wrong direction, taking them to Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. After stopping for food and rest, they eventually turned back towards Delhi, deciding to halt for the night in Gurugram due to fatigue.
As it grew late, the woman booked a hotel room in Sector 29. She told police that her colleague said he could not afford separate accommodation, so she allowed him to share her room. The FIR states that once inside, he locked the door and began misbehaving with her, touching her “inappropriately” and attempting to remove her clothes.
When she raised an alarm, hotel staff reportedly reached the room and intervened. The woman then contacted police, who registered an FIR under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with criminal force against a woman to outrage her modesty and criminal force to disrobe a woman.
Police have identified the accused as Sanjeev, but he has not been arrested yet. Officers told media that they are reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel and gathering witness statements to corroborate the complainant’s version of events.
Official response and procedural updates
Gurugram Police confirmed the FIR and said an investigation is in progress. According to police spokespeople, they have issued a notice asking the woman to return for detailed questioning and a judicial magistrate’s statement, which is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the further course of action.
A police official told reporters that the case is being taken seriously, with officers reviewing all available evidence, including CCTV footage, call records, and hotel staff statements. They are also examining whether the accused and complainant worked in the same office, as that had not yet been clarified.
The complainant, originally from Rewari and married to an Indian Army officer since 2019, has reportedly left Gurugram after filing her complaint. Police say they have reached out repeatedly for her to return for further procedures.
Workplace travel, safety concerns and broader issues
Incidents of alleged violence and misconduct involving aviation staff including sexual assault claims during layovers or official travel have periodically emerged in India, raising broader questions about workplace safety, crew welfare and protective policies.
In related developments, India’s aviation industry has recently been debating proposals to strengthen fatigue management rules for crew members, including mandated single-room occupancy for layovers to improve rest and safety standards.
Industry associations argue these proposals could strain logistical resources, while safety advocates and crew associations see them as necessary to reduce risks during travel. The controversy highlights the complex interplay between airline operational costs and crew well-being a crucial backdrop for incidents such as the one now under investigation.
The Logical Indian’s perspective
Allegations of sexual assault, particularly in what should be safe and professional environments, are deeply troubling and demand the fullest possible investigation under the law. Survivors must be supported through every step of the legal process without fear of stigma, delay or retaliation.
Authorities also have a responsibility to ensure that travel safety protocols, reporting mechanisms and workplace policies actively protect employees especially when they are away from home on official duty.
At a systemic level, this incident underscores the need for airlines, regulators and law enforcement to work together to create a culture of respect, empathy and accountability.
Organisations should provide clear guidelines and resources to help staff navigate difficult situations during work assignments, including immediate access to support services and timely responses by police when complaints are filed.
