An Air India cabin crew member was assaulted in her hotel room by an intruder earlier this week while staying at the Radisson Red Hotel, located near London’s Heathrow Airport. The incident took place late Thursday night, around 1:30 AM, when the crew member, along with others from multiple Air India flights, was resting at the hotel.
According to sources, the attacker entered the room while the crew member was asleep. She awoke to find herself under attack and began to scream for help. The intruder allegedly used a clothes hanger as a weapon, assaulting her and dragging her across the floor as she tried to escape towards the door. The crew member suffered multiple bruises before managing to alert others.
The assailant attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended and handed over to the police. The injured crew member was promptly taken to a hospital for treatment and has since returned to Mumbai. A colleague from the crew remained behind to support her through the ordeal.
Air India confirmed the incident, stating that the airline is offering full support to the affected crew member, including professional counseling. The airline emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of its staff and called for privacy during this difficult time.
In response to this incident, concerns were raised by the airline’s crew members regarding the safety measures at the hotel. Reports from The Hindu highlighted repeated complaints from the crew about insufficient security, poorly lit corridors, unmanned receptions, and suspicious activities around the hotel.
Pilots and crew members have expressed their unease, noting that the current law and order situation in some parts of Britain, including London, necessitates heightened vigilance. They stressed the importance of selecting hotels with robust security systems, particularly when accommodations are located in less central areas of the city.
An Air India spokesperson, while confirming the incident, expressed deep anguish over the unlawful intrusion. The airline assured that it is working closely with local authorities to pursue legal action against the perpetrator and is collaborating with the hotel management to prevent such incidents in the future.
The event has underscored the need for heightened security measures for airline crew members during their stays abroad, particularly in high-risk areas.