In a distressing incident earlier this week, an Air India cabin crew member was reportedly assaulted by an intruder in her hotel room in London. The attack occurred on Thursday night at the Radisson Red Hotel located near Heathrow Airport, where several crew members were staying while on duty.
The harrowing event unfolded around 1:30 am when the intruder gained entry into the crew member’s room. According to reports, she was asleep when she was abruptly awakened by the assailant. The attacker reportedly used a clothes hanger to assault her and attempted to drag her across the floor as she desperately tried to escape towards the door.
Fortunately, her screams were heard by her colleagues staying in adjacent rooms. They responded quickly and rushed to her aid, confronting the intruder. The attacker, upon realizing that he was about to be apprehended, attempted to flee but was subdued by the hotel staff before the police arrived.
Air India has expressed profound distress over the incident. In a statement released on Saturday, the airline affirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its staff. “Air India accords foremost priority to the safety, security and well-being of our crew and staff members. We are deeply anguished by an unlawful incident of intrusion at a hotel, operated by a major international chain, that affected one of our crew members,” the statement read.
The assaulted crew member, who sustained multiple bruises, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Following the incident, she has returned to India and is now receiving counselling to help her recover from the traumatic experience. According to reports, she was left in a dazed state and continues to deal with the emotional aftermath.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the security at the Radisson Red Hotel. Sources indicate that there have been previous complaints regarding inadequate security measures at the hotel. Issues such as poorly lit corridors, an unmanned reception, and disturbances caused by individuals knocking on doors have been noted. These concerns highlight a potential lapse in the hotel’s security protocols, which may have contributed to the vulnerability of guests.
The attack has also drawn reactions from political figures. Congress MP Manish Tewari described the assault as “very disturbing,” reflecting the broader concern over the safety of travelers and hotel security.
The police are currently investigating the incident, and the hotel management has been scrutinized for its security shortcomings. The incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures to protect hotel guests, especially those in sensitive professions such as airline crew members.
As the investigation continues, Air India and other stakeholders are expected to review and possibly implement stricter security protocols to prevent such distressing incidents in the future.