A SpiceJet employee was arrested on Thursday (July 11) after she slapped a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officer during a dispute over security screening, according to police. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows the CISF officer interacting with the woman, who suddenly moves forward and slaps him. A female constable intervenes shortly after.
The police have registered a case of assault against the employee, Anuradha Rani, based on a complaint by Assistant Sub Inspector Giriraj Prasad. SpiceJet, however, has called the incident as a case of sexual harassment and has initiated legal action. Officials said the woman was sent to judicial custody by a local court.
“The woman has been arrested and her statement is being taken. The woman has also lodged a complaint. We are verifying the facts following which appropriate action will be taken,” DCP Kavendra Singh said.
SpiceJet alleges sexual harassment by CISF Officer
According to the statement issued by the airline, their crew member was subject to inappropriate language by the CISF officer who even asked her to “come and meet him after his duty hours at his home”. Initially, police stated that Rani was employed as a food supervisor, but the airline later clarified that she worked as a female security staff member.
The airline said in its statement, “While escorting a catering vehicle at the steel gate, our female security staff member, who had a valid airport entry pass issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), India’s civil aviation security regulator, was subjected to inappropriate and unacceptable language by the CISF personnel, including asking her to come and meet him after his duty hours at his home.”
“We stand firmly by our employee and are committed to providing her with full support,” the SpiceJet spokesperson said.
What happened at Jaipur airport?
According to CISF officials, the altercation began when Rani attempted to enter the airport through a vehicle gate with other staff members. Although she possessed a valid airport entry pass issued by BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security), she was instructed to undergo screening at another entrance designated for airline crew, as no female CISF personnel were available for immediate frisking at her entry point.
The situation escalated when Rani allegedly refused to comply and slapped the ASI after a female colleague was called in for the security check. The CISF officials maintain that the altercation was captured on CCTV and that an inquiry is underway.
The incident has sparked controversy with conflicting allegations of misconduct and assault. Police have registered a case against Rani under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to assaulting a public servant and causing hurt to deter him from performing his duty.
