The incident reportedly occurred on Monday morning in the international departures area of Terminal 2, shortly after the woman, aged 32, had completed immigration and security checks and was preparing to board her flight back to South Korea.
How the incident unfolded
According to the complaint, the incident took place around 10.45 am. After she had cleared frisking by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and completed immigration formalities, a man approached her, identified himself as airport staff, and asked to see her boarding pass.
He allegedly told her that there was an issue with her checked-in baggage, claiming that a beeping sound had been detected. He further said that resolving the issue through regular procedures would take time and suggested an alternative, which he described as “manual frisking.”
The woman stated that she was asked to accompany him to another area. Police said she was taken near the men’s washroom, where, under the guise of inspection, the man allegedly touched her chest multiple times, asked her to turn around, and then touched her private parts.
When she objected, the accused allegedly hugged her, thanked her, and told her she could leave.
Police action and investigation
The Kempegowda International Airport police have identified the accused as Mohammed Affaann Ahmed, 25, a ground-handling staff member. Police said he had no authority to conduct any form of physical inspection of passengers.
After the incident, the woman reportedly informed airport security personnel, who immediately detained the accused and alerted airport police. Investigators said CCTV footage from the terminal corroborates key aspects of the woman’s account.
A case has been registered against Ahmed under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to sexual harassment. He was arrested, remanded to judicial custody, and lodged in Central Jail at Parappana Agrahara. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Airport and company response
Airport authorities reiterated that frisking and physical security checks are carried out only by authorised CISF personnel and, in the case of female passengers, strictly by female staff.
In a statement, an AISATS spokesperson described the incident as “unpardonable,” saying the employee involved was immediately terminated and handed over to the authorities. “We deeply regret the emotional distress caused by the incident and have extended all necessary support to the guest. A comprehensive inquiry is underway to strengthen safeguards and prevent any recurrence. AISATS is fully cooperating with the authorities and remains committed to the highest standards of ethics, safety, and compliance,” the statement said.
Authorities also clarified that any airport employee who suspects an issue with a passenger or baggage is required to alert CISF or immigration officials and has no right to carry out physical checks.
Police said further investigation is in progress.
