Indian Air Force Woman Officer Accuses Senior of Rape, Files Police Complaint in Srinagar
A woman flying officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has filed a police complaint accusing a Wing Commander of rape and harassment. The complaint was lodged at the Budgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir, where both officers are stationed in Srinagar.
The Indian Air Force has confirmed that they are fully cooperating with the investigation. “We are aware of the case. Local police station Budgam has approached the Indian Air Force in Srinagar in this matter, and we are fully cooperating with the local authorities," the IAF said in a statement.
Allegations of Harassment and Assault
The flying officer alleges she has faced harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture for over two years. According to her complaint, the most recent incident occurred during a New Year's Eve party on December 31, 2023, at the officers' mess. The officer claims the Wing Commander lured her to his room under the pretext of giving her a gift. Once there, he allegedly molested her and forced her into oral sex. Despite her repeated pleas to stop and attempts to resist, she was only able to escape by pushing him away.
She said the Wing Commander indicated they would meet again when his family left, further traumatizing her. The officer also revealed that it took her some time to process the assault and decide to report it.
Delay in Action and Allegations of Cover-Up
After the incident, the flying officer sought advice from two other women officers, who encouraged her to file a formal complaint. Initially, an investigation was launched by a Colonel-rank officer. However, the flying officer alleges that the investigation was mishandled and closed without proper resolution. She claims that she was forced to sit with the accused twice in January to give her statement and objected to his presence, but her objections were dismissed.
When the internal committee of the IAF was finally involved, the officer alleges that the investigation was biased and aimed at protecting the accused. She further claimed that despite her multiple requests for a medical examination, it was delayed. The committee ultimately ruled the case "inconclusive," citing a lack of eyewitnesses, which the officer contested by pointing out the improbability of a sexual assault occurring in front of witnesses.
Mental Health Impact and Continued Harassment
The flying officer's complaint describes the toll that the ongoing harassment has taken on her mental health. She claims she has been subjected to "continuous mental harassment" and a "social boycott" by her colleagues and superiors. She also alleges that her personal communications are being monitored unofficially, and those she speaks to are harassed by authorities.
She expressed her growing despair, stating that the harassment and lack of action have driven her to suicidal thoughts. "I am living in constant fear, under 24/7 scrutiny, and my social life has been completely disrupted," she said, describing how she is forced to attend events with her abuser while facing daily harassment from authorities. Despite her repeated requests for leave or a transfer, she says her pleas have been ignored.
The flying officer’s case has raised serious concerns about how sexual harassment and assault allegations are handled within the military. As the police continue their investigation, the Indian Air Force’s cooperation will be key to ensuring that justice is served. The case also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in uniform who report such incidents, as well as the psychological toll of enduring harassment while awaiting resolution.
