Bengaluru: A 60-year-old pilot employed with a private aviation firm has been booked for allegedly raping a 26-year-old cabin crew member at a five-star hotel in the city. The alleged assault took place on November 18, shortly after the crew flew into Bengaluru on a chartered aircraft from Begumpet in Hyderabad and Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh.

According to police officials, the accused, identified as Rohit Saran, had checked into the hotel along with another pilot and the survivor. The crew was scheduled to return to Puttaparthi the following morning and had halted in Bengaluru for rest.

Survivor alleges assault inside hotel room

As per the complaint, Rohit allegedly asked the survivor to accompany him near his hotel room on the pretext of stepping out for a smoke. Once there, he reportedly forcefully pulled her inside his room despite her resistance and raped her.

Shocked and traumatised, the survivor completed her work commitments and returned to Begumpet on November 20. On arrival, she immediately informed the aviation firm’s management and approached the Begumpet police to narrate the incident.

Police officers said the survivor registered a zero FIR at Begumpet police station, which allows a crime to be reported at any location irrespective of jurisdiction. This FIR was subsequently transferred to Halasuru Police Station in Bengaluru City, which holds territorial jurisdiction over the place of the alleged crime.

FIR registered under rape provisions

Bengaluru Police have registered a case under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — the provision dealing with the offence of rape. Officials confirmed that the investigation is currently underway and statements from the survivor, hotel staff and other relevant witnesses are being recorded.

Police sources also indicated that CCTV footage from the hotel corridors and common areas is being examined to verify the sequence of events and establish the movements of both the accused and the survivor.

Aviation firm notified, internal inquiry begins

The aviation company employing both the accused and the survivor has been informed of the development. As per company protocol, an internal inquiry has also been initiated.

A senior official from the firm, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the survivor reached out to the management immediately after arriving in Hyderabad. “She was extremely distressed. We guided her on the reporting process and ensured she received immediate support. We are fully cooperating with the police,” the official added.

Bengaluru Police to summon accused

Investigators at Halasuru Police Station are preparing to summon the accused pilot for questioning. Officials said they would take appropriate legal action after examining preliminary evidence and completing mandatory procedures.

“We have registered an FIR and the investigation is progressing. The survivor’s statement is crucial. Evidence from the hotel and statements from other crew members will help us establish the facts,” a senior police officer said.

Case highlights safety concerns for aviation crew

The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by young aviation professionals who frequently travel for work and stay overnight in hotels. Crew associations have raised concerns in the past about safety protocols for employees during layovers, especially when senior colleagues accompany junior staff.

Legal experts noted that registering a zero FIR ensures the complaint receives immediate attention without jurisdictional delays, especially in cases of sexual assault where prompt action is critical.

Conclusion

As the probe continues, Bengaluru Police have assured a fair and thorough investigation. The aviation firm has pledged support to the survivor, while the accused is expected to be questioned soon. The case is likely to bring renewed focus on workplace safety measures for crew members working in high-mobility environments.