Lagatar24 Desk
Budgam: A female flying officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has filed a police complaint accusing a senior Wing Commander of rape. The complaint was registered at the Budgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir, where both officers are stationed in Srinagar. The Indian Air Force has confirmed its full cooperation with the local authorities as the investigation unfolds.
In her detailed complaint, the flying officer recounted instances of harassment, sexual assault, and mental torture over the last two years. She specifically mentioned an incident that took place during a New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 2023, where the senior officer allegedly lured her to his room under the pretense of delivering a gift. The officer stated that the Wing Commander forced her into oral sex despite her repeated pleas to stop.
“I repeatedly asked him to stop and tried to resist in every way possible. Finally, I pushed him and ran away,” she recounted. The officer expressed fear and uncertainty about reporting the incident, citing previous discouragement from doing so.
Upon receiving advice from fellow women officers, she formally lodged a complaint. A Colonel-ranked officer was assigned to investigate the matter, but the officer raised concerns over his involvement, alleging that the inquiry was closed prematurely to “hide mistakes of the administration.”
Allegations of Bias in Internal Probe
The flying officer further criticized the handling of the case by the IAF’s internal committee, accusing them of bias in favor of the accused Wing Commander. She claimed that her medical examination was delayed and that the investigation lacked thoroughness. “Everyone was aiding the sexual offender. The bias of station authorities was heart-breaking,” she said.
The officer also reported continuous harassment by the authorities and noted that she was denied leave and posting requests, forcing her to interact with her abuser. She described her situation as a “continuous mental harassment” and “social boycott” by the administration, adding that her communications were being monitored, and her colleagues were discouraged from interacting with her.
Struggles with Mental Health
The prolonged ordeal has severely impacted the officer’s mental health. She revealed that she has been experiencing suicidal thoughts due to the sustained harassment. “I am living in constant fear, under 24/7 scrutiny… The harassment has driven me to suicidal thoughts, and I feel utterly helpless,” she shared, adding that she is unable to carry on with her daily life under these conditions.
Investigation Outcome and Police Action
The IAF’s internal committee concluded in May that the case was inconclusive due to the lack of eyewitnesses. However, the flying officer questioned this reasoning, saying, “Isn’t it common sense that someone would not commit sexual assault in front of witnesses?”
The Budgam police are continuing their investigation, and the Indian Air Force has stated that they are cooperating fully with local authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial probe.
This case has raised significant concerns about the treatment of sexual harassment allegations within the military and the transparency of internal investigations.
