Indian Student Jailed for Molesting Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew

SINGAPORE- A 20-year-old Indian national received a 3-week jail sentence after molesting a cabin crew member aboard a Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight. Rajat, who goes by only one name, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2025, to one charge of using criminal force with intent to outrage modesty.

The incident occurred on February 28, 2025 during a flight from Perth (PER) to Singapore (SIN). Rajat, a university student in Australia, committed the offense while the aircraft was in transit to Changi Airport (SIN).

Photo: Singapore Airlines

Indian Jailed for Molesting Singapore Cabin Crew

The court heard that at approximately 11:20 am, the stewardess was performing her duties cleaning one of the aircraft’s restrooms.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Lau detailed how the victim bent down to retrieve a piece of toilet paper from the floor when Rajat approached her from behind.

A female passenger witnessed the incident and immediately intervened, pulling the stewardess out of the restroom. The passenger escorted the victim to the rear of the aircraft to help her regain composure and to create distance from Rajat.

Despite his inappropriate behavior, Rajat subsequently requested a private conversation with the stewardess. This request came after the intervention by the female passenger who had observed the assault.

Singapore authorities arrested Rajat upon the aircraft’s arrival at Changi Airport (SIN), where he was taken into custody to face charges for the offense.

Photo: Airbus

Prosecution Arguments

The prosecution sought a jail term ranging from three to six weeks for the offense. DPP Lau emphasized that the stewardess experienced significant psychological harm as a result of the incident.

The prosecutor highlighted several aggravating factors, particularly the setting of the crime. “Commercial air travel is a high-pressure environment involving close physical proximity, and it is harder to detect undesired physical contact,” argued the DPP.

He further noted the victim’s vulnerable position: “In addition, there is no ready means of escape for the victim… and no way to obtain law enforcement mid-flight.”

Photo: Brussels Airport

Legal Consequences

Defense lawyer Ranjit Singh presented mitigating circumstances in his client’s favor, noting Rajat’s previously clean record and positive academic performance.

“A fine should suffice, but if your honor is not with me on that, then I seek a short custodial sentence of one week,” Singh argued before the judge.

The court ultimately imposed a 3-week jail sentence, aligning with the lower end of the prosecution’s requested range.

Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)

Legal Framework for Molestation Offenses

Under Singapore law, individuals convicted of molestation face serious consequences. The legal system permits sentences of up to 3 years’ imprisonment, financial penalties, caning, or any combination of these punishments.

The case highlights Singapore’s strict stance on sexual offenses, particularly those committed in confined environments where victims have limited options for escape or immediate assistance.

The aviation industry has increasingly focused on protecting cabin crew members who work in unique environments where they may be vulnerable to such misconduct from passengers.

The sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that await individuals who commit offenses aboard aircraft entering Singapore’s jurisdiction, regardless of their nationality or student status.

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