Bengaluru airport staffer accused of molesting Korean tourist during baggage check

A Korean tourist has accused a staff member at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport of sexually molesting her under the pretext of conducting a baggage inspection, an incident that has triggered a police investigation and renewed scrutiny of passenger safety at India’s busiest airports.

The incident allegedly took place on January 19, after the woman had completed immigration formalities. According to her complaint, she was approached by the accused, identified as Afan Ahmed, who claimed he needed to verify her ticket and check her baggage due to a purported alert.

As per the FIR, Ahmed told the tourist that her check-in baggage had emitted a “beeping” sound and that a detailed counter check could delay her flight. He allegedly suggested a personal check instead and led her near a washroom within the airport premises.

The woman alleged that the staffer then touched her chest and private parts repeatedly, pressed against her, and hugged her from behind without her consent. When she resisted, he reportedly said, “OK, thank you,” before walking away.

Visibly shaken, the tourist immediately reported the incident to airport security. Authorities detained the accused and subsequently handed him over to the police.

Police have registered a case based on the FIR and launched a formal investigation into the matter.

The woman, identified as Kim Sung Kyung, consented to reveal her identity, according to India Today TV. She said the incident had not tarnished her overall perception of India but expressed hope that stricter security measures would be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.