Maneka Gandhi goes tough on sexual assault with air hostess; directs Air India to complete neutral inquiry

Notably, the move comes after the air hostess met the Union Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister in New Delhi. The WCD Minister has also taken up the matter with Minister for Civil Aviation.

The official statement of Women and Child Development Ministry said, “Air Hostess, who is working with Air India met Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi regarding her complaint under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.”

“The Minister has taken up the matter with Minister for Civil Aviation. The Minister has also spoken to the head of the Internal Complaints Committee of Air India and has directed her to complete the inquiry within June 2018,” the statement added.

 

Earlier, in a letter addressed to Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu also marked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the air hostess had asked for appointing a neutral investigation committee to look into the incident. Immediately responding to the letter Suresh Prabhu in a tweet said, "Asked Air India CMD to immediately address the issue. If necessary, will appoint another committee."

The air hostess had earlier alleged she had been harassed for the last six years by the senior executive. The air hostess described senior executive and predator and equal, if not worse, than Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood filmmaker charged with sexual misconduct by leading actresses.

She said in a letter dated May 25 this year, "This senior executive is a predator and has sexually propositioned me, abused me, used abusive languages on other women in my presence, spoken of sexual acts with me and other women in my presence in office premises. He has insulted me and denied me positions and privileges after I rejected his advances and he had made my life a misery at work and continues to do so."