Zaira Wasim molestation case: DCW seeks Vistara's response

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) today sought a response from Vistara airlines after actor Zaira Wasim alleged that she was molested by a co- passenger aboard one of its flights between Delhi and Mumbai.
Wasim, who starred in Aamir Khan's 'Dangal' and more recently in 'Secret Superstar', has alleged she was harassed by a male passenger sitting behind her on the plane yesterday night.
The National Award winning young actor narrated her ordeal on Instagram via a 'live' video.
The Commission, which was constituted with an aim to investigate and examine matters relating to the safeguards provided to women under the Constitution, took a suo moto action following media reports about the incident and issued a notice to the airliner.

"Considering the gravity of the matter, please provide information to the Commission latest by December 16," the DCW said in the notice.
"The Commission views this matter extremely seriously," DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal said and asked Tata SIA Airlines Ltd, operating as Vistara, to provide the information.

The Commission wished to know whether the crew members of Vistara were aware about the molestation incident.
"If yes, please inform the action taken by them in the matter along with details of the help and support provided to the girl. List of authorities to whom the matter was reported by Vistara Airlines along with date and time of reporting," the DCW told the carrier.

It wanted to know whether CCTV cameras were installed in the flight. "If yes, please provide the footage of the entire flight journey of Wasim. (And) the details of SOPs (standard operating procedures) followed by the airlines in dealing with matters of sexual harassment on flight," it said.
The DCW asked the carrier to inform it if there had been any case of molestation on any of its flights in India in the past one year. "If yes, please provide details of the same and action taken by Vistara in the matter.
The Commission also asked for "copies of guidelines (if any) issued by the Ministry of Aviation, Government of India regarding dealing with sexual harassment cases on flight."

In a statement on Twitter, Vistara has said it would look into the complaint.
"We @airvistara have seen the reports regarding @ZairaWasimmm experience with another customer on board our flight last night. We are carrying out detailed investigation and will support Zaira in every way required. We have zero tolerance for such behaviour.