January 22, 2025

What happened to Zaira Wasim (she acted in Dangal and Secret Superstar) was shameful. We have many louts travelling on flights who try to take advantage of young girls flying alone. The passenger sitting next to her tried to touch her inappropriately. As the cabin lights were dim, she could not get his picture. She posted an Instagram post with a picture of the man’s leg and was in tears while she narrated the incident. It went viral and drew diverse reactions in social media.

Let us begin at the beginning. Remember, Zaira is just 17. Most girls that age are not very strong mentally and can be easily intimidated by the situation. Hence, to blame Zaira for not reporting the incident to cabin crew immediately when the man started his deplorable antics is not correct. She was perhaps shocked by the man’s audacity and suffered a trauma. But she did report the incident when the flight was about to land.

Normally, one would immediately rebuke the offender and as a precaution, ask the cabin crew to change one’s seat if possible, reporting the incident to them at the same time. That Zaira did not have the presence of mind or was shocked enough not to do so cannot be held as proof that nothing happened or that she is just an attention seeker doing this as a publicity stunt. It takes courage to report such incidents and Zaira should be supported.

The best way, as outlined by Air Vistara, is to let the investigations be complete before jumping to conclusions. The flight roster can easily identify the offender. His name and address can be made available to the police with whom Zaira has already filed a complaint. She can be made to identify him in a parade. The man can then be grilled and suitably punished, if found guilty. It is vile to suspect the intentions of a molestation victim before proper inquiry. She is traumatized enough already and must be left alone by those who cannot support her.

picture courtesy: indian express