Man accused of touching stewardess and cornering her in galley pleads not guilty
A 36-year-old Indian national has been charged in Singapore over an alleged molestation and harassment incident involving a Singapore Airlines cabin crew member on a Feb. 9 flight. He indicated in court on March 17 that he is claiming trial.
Man Charged Over Alleged In-Flight Incident
Akash Tiwari, 36, was charged on March 17 with allegedly molesting and harassing an air stewardess on a Singapore Airlines flight. According to the case details provided in court, he is accused of using criminal force by pressing his body against the area around the victim’s buttocks.
He is also accused of using threatening behavior by allegedly following the stewardess to the galley area, cornering her in the confined space, and continuing to pursue her, causing her distress. A gag order was imposed to protect the victim’s identity.
He Pleaded Not Guilty
When asked to indicate his plea, Akash said he was not guilty. That means the case is set to proceed through the court process rather than ending in an early admission of guilt.
The case adds to a series of in-flight molestation matters in Singapore that have drawn attention to passenger behavior and the risks faced by cabin crew while working in confined spaces on board aircraft.
Police Say Crew Member Reported the Incident
Police said they were alerted to the incident that same afternoon. Preliminary investigations showed that the victim was serving the man near his seat when he allegedly touched her inappropriately.
The stewardess then warned him to stop and later moved to the galley to prepare for landing. Police said he allegedly followed her there, cornered her, and continued pursuing her into an aisle before returning to his seat only after she reported the matter to her supervisor. He was subsequently arrested by officers from the Airport Police Division upon arrival at Changi Airport.
Potential Penalties Are Serious
If convicted of molestation, he could face up to three years in jail, a fine, caning, or a combination of these punishments. Singapore police advisories state that outrage of modesty carries a maximum imprisonment term of three years, alongside possible fines and caning.
For the harassment-related charge, the reported penalty is up to six months’ jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
Why the Case Matters
This case underscores how seriously Singapore treats alleged sexual misconduct on aircraft, especially when it involves cabin crew carrying out their duties in restricted spaces where escape options are limited. Law enforcement has repeatedly emphasized that airline staff and passengers must be protected from sexual harassment and assault on board flights.
For Singaporeans, the case reinforces the message that misconduct in transit spaces and on aircraft is treated as a serious criminal matter. For regional travelers, including Indonesians and Malaysians who frequently transit through Singapore, it is also a reminder that in-flight offenses can quickly lead to arrest, prosecution, and severe penalties once the plane lands.
The case against Akash Tiwari will now move through the courts after his not-guilty indication. Beyond the individual allegations, the matter highlights the pressure airline crew can face in confined working environments and Singapore’s firm legal response to alleged sexual and threatening behavior on board aircraft.
Sources: CNA (2026) , Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: Akash Tiwari, Singapore Airlines Case, Cabin Crew Harassment, Outrage Of Modesty Singapore, In Flight Misconduct
