Senior AI official is accused of harassment

New Delhi: In a candid and explosive letter, an air hostess of Air India has accused a senior executive of sexual harassment following which civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu directed the national carrier to take immediate steps to address the issue and probe the matter. The air hostess claimed that she was being harassed for the past six years after she rejected the advances of the senior executive. She also said she had complained about the matter last September but accused the Air India women’s cell of trying to hush up the matter, saying the enquiry committee conducted a “kangaroo” probe. Responding to the letter, the civil aviation minister tweeted, “Asked Air India CMD to  immediately address the issue. If necessary, will appoint another committee.”

The air hostess alleged that she had been harassed for the last six years by the senior executive, describing him as a  “predator” and equal, if not worse, than Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood film maker charged with sexual misconduct by leading actresses.

“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 and he has tried to compel women in his office to drink with him,” the complainant said.