Srinagar: ‘Witness Sent Away’, Female Air Force Officer In FIR About Sexual Assault, Harassment By Senior

In a serious development, a 26-year-old female Flying Officer stationed at the Air Force Station in Srinagar has accused a senior officer of sexual assault and ongoing harassment. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR at the Budgam Police Station under Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to rape by someone in a position of authority.

Details of the Incident: Assault During New Year’s Party
The alleged incident occurred on the night of December 31, 2023, during a New Year’s party at the Air Force Station. According to the officer’s complaint, a Wing Commander lured her to his room under the pretense of retrieving a gift. Once there, the officer allegedly sexually assaulted her despite her resistance.

“I confided in two female officers, and they advised me to file a complaint,” she stated. Initially, she hesitated due to the shock and discomfort of being new to the military environment. However, after enduring emotional trauma and conflicting thoughts, she finally decided to take legal action.

Allegations of Mishandled Investigation
The officer also accused the Air Force authorities of mishandling the internal investigation. She claimed that the Internal Committee (IC) overseeing the investigation disregarded key evidence and failed to summon crucial witnesses. The accused officer was allegedly allowed to remain in close proximity to her throughout the investigation, worsening her mental distress.

“I pointed out the negligence of the Station Authorities, including a witness being sent away before giving his statement, but none of these issues were addressed in the final report,” she wrote in her police complaint. The officer believes that the investigation was biased in favour of the accused.

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Ongoing Harassment and Mental Health Impact
The officer also reported continuous harassment, claiming her communications were being monitored, and those she interacted with were intimidated by authorities. In one incident, a person she spoke with was detained and interrogated by the security section.

The harassment has taken a severe toll on her mental health, driving her to suicidal thoughts. Despite requesting interim relief, such as a transfer or leave, the officer says both she and the accused remain stationed at the same base, forcing her to interact with her alleged abuser.

Additionally, the officer has accused five other officers of harassment, mental torture, and mishandling the investigation process. Following her detailed complaint, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched an investigation, assigning an Inspector-ranked officer to the case.