The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) after a female Flying Officer accused a Wing Commander of the Air Force Station in Srinagar of sexual assault. The FIR has been lodged against the Wing Commander at the Budgam Police Station under Section 376(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with aggravated rape by persons in positions of authority.
The female Flying Officer alleged that the Wing Commander sexually assaulted her in his room during a New Year's party held at the Officers' Mess on December 31, 2023. She recounted the events of the night, stating that the assault occurred at around 2:00 AM on January 1, 2024, after Wing Commander allegedly took her to his room under the guise of giving her a gift. Once there, the Wing Commander allegedly molested her. "I repeatedly asked him to stop and tried to resist in all ways possible. Finally, I pushed him and ran away," she stated.
Following the incident, she said she was in shock and unsure of how to proceed, fearing further repercussions if she reported the crime. "I was afraid and didn't know what to do as there were instances before where I was discouraged from reporting. He visited my office after the incident, behaving as if nothing happened, without any sign of remorse," she recounted.
She confided in two other female officers, who advised her to file a formal complaint.
The Flying Officer further narrated her struggles to submit a complaint and alleged mishandling of the investigation by the Internal Committee. Following her complaint, a Colonel-rank officer was assigned to investigate. She claimed that the accused Wing Commander was made to sit with her twice in January to record statements in violation of standard protocols. She said she objected to his presence, and the investigation was later closed, allegedly to "hide mistakes of the administration."
The Flying Officer then filed a fresh application to the internal committee, which convened two months later. "The internal committee did not perform its duties properly, as directions had come from higher authorities to keep the results neutral. Everyone was aiding the sexual offender," she alleged.
Despite her insistence, no medical examination was conducted until much later, the victim claimed.
Her requests for interim relief, leave, or a different posting for either herself or the Wing Commander were allegedly denied. "I am forced to socialise with these people and attend events with my abuser," she claimed in her complaint.
The internal committee ultimately deemed the case inconclusive due to the lack of eyewitnesses and closed its investigation in May. "Isn't it common sense that someone would not commit sexual assault in front of a witness?" she questioned.
The Flying Officer has also reported "continuous mental harassment" and "social boycott," with her personal communications being unofficially monitored. "The individuals I speak with are harassed by the authorities," she said.
The female offer stated that the harassment severely affected her mental health, leading her to experience suicidal thoughts. "I am living in constant fear, under 24/7 scrutiny, and my social life has been completely disrupted. The harassment has driven me to suicidal thoughts, and I feel utterly helpless. I am unable to carry on with my daily life, and my social interactions are closely monitored and discouraged by authorities. I have endured this torture for too long, and I am at my breaking point," she expressed in her complaint.
She has urged the police to take immediate action and ensure that justice is served, naming several senior officers as complicit in her harassment.
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IAF Says Cooperating With Probe Into Case
The Indian Air Force has acknowledged the case and confirmed its cooperation with local authorities. "We are aware of the case. Local Police PS Budgam has approached on the subject. We are completely cooperating towards the case," an IAF spokesperson told ABP Live.
An Inspector-rank officer from the Budgam Police Station has been assigned to oversee the investigation of this case.