New Delhi: A female flying officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has filed a police complaint accusing a senior officer of rape and prolonged sexual harassment. The complaint, filed at Budgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir, names a Wing Commander as the accused. Both officers are stationed in Srinagar.The Indian Air Force has confirmed their cooperation with the local authorities. We are aware of the case. The Budgam police have approached the Indian Air Force in Srinagar, and we are fully cooperating with the local authorities, an IAF spokesperson said.Allegations of sexual assault, harassmentThe female officers complaint states that she has endured harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture over the past two years. She recounted a traumatic incident from a New Years Eve party at the officers mess on December 31, 2023. According to the complaint, the Wing Commander in question lured her to his room under the pretext of giving her a gift.The officer has alleged that once they were alone, her senior forced her into oral sex. I repeatedly asked him to stop and resisted in every way possible. I finally managed to push him away and ran out of the room. He casually mentioned meeting again on Friday when his family was away, she said in her statement.Struggles with reporting the incidentThe flying officer shared that it took her some time to fully process the assault and decide to come forward, particularly because she had been discouraged from reporting previous incidents. He visited my office after the incident, behaving as if nothing had happened, showing no remorse, she added.After seeking advice from two other female officers, she finally gathered the courage to file a formal complaint. I cant describe the mental agony I went through, being an unmarried woman who joined the forces only to be treated in such a heinous manner, she said.Flawed internal investigationFollowing her complaint, an initial investigation was launched, led by a Colonel-ranked officer. However, the flying officer expressed frustration with how the inquiry was handled. She claimed that the Wing Commander was allowed to sit with her during the investigation to record statements, a situation she found inappropriate and intimidating.Her objections to the officers presence were ignored, and she believes the investigation was intentionally closed to hide mistakes of the administration. She further alleged that a medical examination was delayed until she demanded it repeatedly.Bias and continued harassmentThe officer also criticized the internal committees handling of her case, accusing them of bias. According to her, the committee closed the investigation in May, claiming there was insufficient evidence due to the lack of eyewitnesses. Isnt it common sense that someone wouldnt commit sexual assault in front of a witness she questioned.She also alleged continuous harassment, including unofficial monitoring of her personal communications and social isolation. I am forced to attend events with my abuser, while he enjoys impunity. Meanwhile, I am harassed daily by the authorities, she added.The ongoing harassment has taken a severe toll on her mental health. I am living in constant fear, under 24/7 scrutiny, and my social life has been completely destroyed. The harassment has driven me to suicidal thoughts. I feel utterly helpless, she said.
