Dangal 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.
"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.
Official Statement: Update #2 pic.twitter.com/9VQOjzGTOK
— Vistara (@airvistara) December 10, 2017
However, to make things worse, some people on Twitter even began to victim blame Zaira, saying that it was a 'fake drama' that was being used for 'attention.'
Looks like its a Fake Drama #ZairaWasim pic.twitter.com/kihNhg3Sri
— Varun Naidu (@chocovarun) December 10, 2017
Strange as it may sound, why was hue and cry not made when she was facing the issue. Getting out and posting on Social Media to draw attention seems to be the trend these days. Taking a selfie while crying #ZairaWasim
— Manoj Nair (@mgknair) December 10, 2017
#ZairaWasim alleges in-flight Molestation attempt,says man sitting behind her continued to move his foot up-down her Back & Neck
— Jagrati Shukla (@JagratiShukla29) December 10, 2017
Did she Complain to Cabin Crew?Tried to get her seat changed?Confronted the passenger?Does it even tantamount to Molestation
Trying to gain Sympathy?
Dear #ZairaWasim why did you not slap that person or call the airline crew? Video - why? https://t.co/SrgtGou4IH
— Anuradha Goyal (@anuradhagoyal) December 10, 2017
If this happened in the aircraft.. she should have complained to the cabin crew immediately... What is this moronic whining in the media now? #ZairaWasim https://t.co/4jwmkSP4Wu
— MediaCrooks (@mediacrooks) December 10, 2017
However, many people also supported the actor.
#ZairaWasim, so sorry about the Terrible and Unfortunate incident.
— Geetika Swami (@SwamiGeetika) December 10, 2017
I’m glad you stood up to it and totally agree that ‘Nobody will fight for us unless we dont do it ourselves!’#HumanRightsDay pic.twitter.com/7RmrCskgni
Extremely sad to learn of the horrible abuse suffered by #ZairaWasim. I am glad she spoke out. We need to confront such issues head on & punish perpetrators. https://t.co/tzb1xcPZbi
— Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) December 10, 2017
Extremely sad to learn of the horrible abuse suffered by #ZairaWasim. I am glad she spoke out. We need to confront such issues head on & punish perpetrators. https://t.co/tzb1xcPZbi
— Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) December 10, 2017
Seriously sad state of affairs ..with narrow minded thinking having increased inspite of technology and these people use technology to spread their narrow views
— Suresh Menon (@sureshnmenon) December 10, 2017
IANS inputs