The Wing Commander, whose identity remains undisclosed, faced accusations from a female Flying Officer alleging that he assaulted her during a New Year's Eve event at the Air Force Station in Srinagar. According to the complaint, the incident took place on December 31, 2023, when the senior officer reportedly lured her into his room under the pretense of handing over a gift. It was there, as per the FIR, that the alleged sexual assault occurred.
The female officer's complaint highlights that despite her repeated attempts to resist, the assault continued. She also cited procedural hurdles and delays in reporting the matter, alleging that the initial investigation was mishandled, including a delayed medical examination and perceived bias in the inquiry initiated by the Internal Committee of the Air Force.
The First Information Report (FIR) was filed on September 8, 2024, under case number 370/2024. Following this, the Wing Commander sought anticipatory bail, which was granted by Justice Rajnesh Oswal of the Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh High Court. The court’s rationale included considerations of the officer’s position and the potential impact of an arrest on his career and reputation.
Despite the granting of bail, the court has imposed strict conditions on the officer. He has been required to provide sureties, restrict his travel, and comply with specific dates set for appearances before the investigation team. Importantly, the court has mandated that no chargesheet be filed against him without prior permission, emphasizing that the investigation is still ongoing.