A Singapore court has sentenced Akash Tiwari, a 35-year-old Indian national, to six months in jail and ordered him to pay S$1,270 (approximately ₹82,000) in compensation after he pleaded guilty to molesting a Singapore Airlines stewardess and causing her distress during a flight to Singapore in February 2026.
According to court proceedings reported by Channel News Asia (CNA), Tiwari repeatedly harassed the cabin crew member despite her objections, while some of his friends allegedly laughed and encouraged the behaviour.
The victim reported the incidents to her supervisors, and the aircraft captain alerted authorities before landing at Changi Airport, leading to Tiwari’s arrest upon arrival. Prosecutors argued that the harassment was aggravated by the conduct of his companions and the intimidation that followed when he allegedly cornered the stewardess in the aircraft galley.
The court accepted the prosecution’s submissions and imposed a custodial sentence along with compensation for emotional trauma and medical expenses.
Harassment During Flight
The incident took place aboard a Singapore Airlines flight bound for Singapore, where Tiwari was travelling with four friends. Court documents revealed that cabin crew members had observed the group behaving in a rowdy manner throughout the journey, reportedly waving at female crew members and laughing among themselves whenever they passed through the aisle.
The first incident occurred before take-off when the stewardess approached the group to confirm meal preferences. During the interaction, Tiwari allegedly stretched out his arm and brushed against the victim’s upper thigh, leaving her shocked. According to prosecutors, Tiwari and his friends responded by laughing.
The situation escalated later during meal service when the stewardess was collecting trays and pushing a meal cart through the cabin. Court records stated that Tiwari deliberately leaned out from his seat and nudged his elbow into the victim’s buttock area.
The woman immediately confronted him and told him not to touch her. Rather than apologising, prosecutors said he smirked, while one of his companions allegedly joked that he would like to “have a beer and watch the show”, referring to the victim’s distress.
Deputy Public Prosecutors argued that the conduct of the group intensified the humiliation and emotional trauma suffered by the crew member, who was simply carrying out her duties. The court heard that the victim became increasingly distressed and repeatedly sought assistance from senior cabin crew.
Followed Into Aircraft Galley
Following the second incident, the stewardess reported the matter to the chief flight stewardess, who accompanied her in confronting Tiwari. However, court proceedings indicated that he denied any wrongdoing and remained unapologetic.
As the aircraft prepared for landing, the victim moved to the galley area to formally report the molestation. According to evidence presented in court, Tiwari followed her into the narrow and confined workspace, where no other crew members were present at that moment.
The victim repeatedly asked him to stay away, but prosecutors said he moved closer and cornered her, causing her to fear for her safety. Distressed and frightened, she shouted at him to stop following her and quickly left the area, with passengers reportedly witnessing part of the confrontation.
She later sought help from the chief stewardess again and was described as crying, visibly shaken and trembling. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the flight captain notified aviation authorities before the aircraft landed at Singapore’s Changi Airport. A police report was subsequently lodged, leading to Tiwari’s arrest upon arrival.
During sentencing, prosecutors sought six months’ imprisonment and compensation for the victim, arguing that the offences were made more serious by the repeated nature of the harassment and the involvement of friends who appeared to encourage or mock the victim’s reaction.
The court agreed, sentencing Tiwari to six months in jail and ordering him to compensate the victim with approximately S$1,000 for emotional trauma and S$270.95 for medical expenses. Under Singapore law, molestation carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments.
The offence of causing distress through threatening behaviour can attract up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Every workplace deserves to be safe, dignified and free from harassment, including workplaces that operate thousands of feet above the ground. Cabin crew members are responsible for passenger safety and comfort, often working in confined spaces where they have limited means to avoid or escape inappropriate behaviour.
This case underscores the importance of taking complaints of harassment seriously, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability regardless of where an incident occurs. It also serves as a reminder that bystander behaviour matters: laughing at, encouraging or dismissing harassment can deepen the harm experienced by victims and contribute to a culture of silence.
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