Indian actress Zaira Wasim has detailed a harrowing experience of being allegedly molested by a middle-aged man while she was on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai. The 17-year-old National Award winner shared her ordeal via an Instagram Story.
Zaira, who is originally from the northern state of Kashmir, shot to fame with her fantastic performance in Hindi-language biographical sports drama film 'Dangal'.
"Managed to get this," Zaira posted with a snapshot of the man's foot, which was rested on her arm rest.
The star of "Secret Superstar" then added: "The lights were dimmed, so it was even worse. It continued for another 5-10 minutes and then I was sure of it. He kept nudging my shoulder and continued to move his foot up and down my back and neck.
"So, I was in a flight travelling from Delhi to Mumbai today and right behind me one middle-aged man who made my two-hour journey miserable. I tried to record it on phone to understand it better because the cabin lights were dimmed, I failed to get it.
"It was all chill till I felt somebody brushing against my back while I was half asleep. I ignored it the first time. Blamed the turbulence for it. Until I woke me up to this pleasant sight of his beautiful foot rubbing my back and neck.
"Guess he couldn't sit like a civilised human being and placed his foot on my armrest while he's fully 'phelaoed' (spread) his body on his seat.
She ended her post with: "Slow claps for Vistara's wonderful crew guys."
In a self-shot video doing the rounds on social media, Zaira, who is from Jammu and Kashmir, is also seen breaking down on an Instagram live chat.
"I just landed, the whole irony of this that I yelled... and this is not done... this is not how you should be treated or made to feel this is terrible. This is how they will take care of girls? No one will help us if we don't decide to help ourselves and that is the worst thing," she said, looking visibly disturbed.
Vistara Airlines has said it will investigate the issue.
"We have seen the reports regarding Zaira Wasim experience with another customer on board last night. We are carrying out detailed investigation and will support Zaira in every way required. We have zero tolerance for such behaviour," read a post on the Airlines' official Twitter page.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday demanded punishment for the passenger who allegedly molested Zaira.
The passenger should be identified to the police by @airvistara & a case filed for legal action. None of this “he fell at my feet so I forgive him” rubbish! https://t.co/1umbBOOGAu
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 10, 2017
