Air India air hostess accuses senior executive of sexual harassment
What's the story
An air hostess of Air India has accused a senior executive of sexual harassment, prompting Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu to ask the national carrier to take immediate steps to address the issue. The air hostess asked the government to conduct a "neutral" investigation into the incident. She alleged that she had been harassed for the last six years by the senior executive.
The Issue
Aviation minister asked CMD to immediately address the issue
In a letter addressed to the Aviation Minister and also marked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the air hostess described senior executive as "predator" and equalized him with Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood filmmaker charged with sexual misconduct by leading actresses. Responding to the letter, Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Asked Air India CMD to immediately address the issue. If necessary, we will appoint another committee."
Denied promotions
Air hostess alleged senior executive denied promotions to her
Air hostess said, "The senior executive has sexually propositioned me, abused me, used abusive languages on other women in my presence, spoken of sexual acts with me and other women." "He denied me positions and privileges after I rejected his advances and... made my life a misery at work and continues to do so," she added further in the letter dated May 25.
Women cell
Airline's women cell dragged its feet on the issue
The woman said that she would reveal the name of the executive if she gets an audience with the Aviation Minister. The air hostess maintained that she had lodged a complaint with Air India last September and written to the then CMD of the airline, but "none was forthcoming". She also accused the airline's women cell of dragging its feet on the issue.