Srinagar: In a deeply troubling case, a female flying officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has lodged a police complaint accusing a Wing Commander of rape. The complaint has led to the registration of an FIR at Budgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir. Both officers are stationed in Srinagar, and the IAF has confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The IAF stated, “We are aware of the matter. The local police station Budgam has contacted the Indian Air Force in Srinagar in this matter and we are fully cooperating with the local authorities.”
The female officer’s complaint details a harrowing experience of harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture spanning the last two years. She recounted a specific incident on December 31, 2023, during a New Year’s party at the Officers’ Mess. According to her, the Wing Commander asked if she had received a gift. When she replied that she had not, he claimed the gifts were in his room and led her there. Upon inquiring about her family, he assured her they were elsewhere.
Once in the room, the Wing Commander allegedly forced her into oral sex and molested her. “I repeatedly asked him to stop and tried to resist in every possible way. Finally, I pushed him and ran away. He said we would meet again on Friday when his family leaves,” the victim recounted.
The officer confided in two other female officers, who guided her on how to file a complaint. “I cannot describe the mental agony in words, being an unmarried girl who joined the army and was treated in such a disgusting manner,” she told media.
Following her complaint, a colonel-rank officer was assigned to investigate. However, she alleged that the Wing Commander was made to sit with her twice to record statements, which she found inappropriate. She objected to his presence, and the investigation was subsequently halted, which she believes was an attempt to cover up administrative errors.
She then filed a new application with the internal committee, which convened after two months. “The bias of the station officials in helping the sexual offender was very sad for me,” she said. Despite her repeated requests, a medical examination was not conducted until the final day of the internal investigation.
This case has brought to light serious concerns about harassment within military ranks and the handling of such allegations by the authorities. The investigation is ongoing, with the IAF pledging full cooperation.
