Air India Staffer Arrested After Groping South Korean Passenger at Bengaluru Airport.

A ground staff member was arrested following a serious Air India staff sexual harassment allegation. The incident occurred at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru. A South Korean businesswoman reported the assault on January 19, 2026. The staffer allegedly groped her under the guise of a security check.

Incident Details and Staff Termination

The accused was identified as Mohammed Affann Ahmed, 25. He was employed by Air India SATS, a ground-handling service provider. The woman, Kim Sung Kyung, had already cleared all immigration and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) checks. Ahmed approached her claiming an issue with her checked-in baggage. He insisted on a personal check to avoid a flight delay.

Police reports indicate Ahmed was unauthorized to conduct frisking. He allegedly took the passenger near a men's washroom. There, he reportedly touched her inappropriately and hugged her. The staffer was arrested after the passenger immediately alerted airport authorities. CCTV footage reportedly supports the woman's account.

Air India SATS called the act "unpardonable". The company immediately terminated the employee. They also stated they are extending all necessary support to the guest. The company has launched a comprehensive inquiry into the airline ground staff arrest.

Regulatory and Industry Impact

This Bengaluru airport security lapse highlights critical concerns about staff vetting. In India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) sets security protocols. The CISF typically handles all passenger frisking and security screening. Airline ground staff do not have the authority for such checks. The accused exploited this gap using a false pretext.

• Mandatory Security Protocols: All passenger screening must follow strict BCAS guidelines.
• Unauthorized Access: The incident shows a failure in controlling unauthorized security activities.
• Passenger Safety Concerns: The event raises serious airline passenger safety concerns for international travelers.

Authorities have registered a case against Ahmed. The charges fall under the relevant section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This incident underscores the need for stringent airport staff background checks. It also demands better oversight of all personnel with access to passenger areas. The aviation industry must reinforce aviation security protocols India to prevent recurrence.

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