In a disturbing incident that has shocked passengers and raised serious questions about airport safety, a ground staff member at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a 32‑year‑old South Korean woman during what he claimed was a security check.

The accused has been identified as Mohammed Affan Ahmed, a contract‑based ground handling staff employee with Air India SATS, who was stationed at the terminal.

How the Incident Happened

According to the victim’s account, the episode took place on January 19, 2026, in Terminal 2 as she was completing immigration and preparing to board her flight home.

  • The staffer approached her, claiming there was a beeping noise from her check‑in luggage, and told her a manual frisking was needed.

  • Trusting his authority, she agreed to the “additional check.”

  • He then took her near the men’s washroom area, allegedly under the pretext of conducting this check.

  • There, the woman says he touched her inappropriately, hugged her, and inappropriately thanked her, despite her protests.

The actions left the woman disturbed, and she later filed a complaint with airport officials.

Rapid Police Action and Arrest

Airport security and local police responded swiftly after the complaint was made. CCTV footage from the terminal reportedly confirmed parts of the incident, leading authorities to arrest Mohammed Affan Ahmed and hand him over to Bengaluru airport police.

The police have lodged a case under relevant sections concerning sexual harassment and assault, and further investigation is underway.

Safety Concerns and Airport Protocols Under Scrutiny

This incident has sparked serious concern among travelers and international observers about airport safety protocols, particularly:

  • Whether unauthorized staff can conduct physical checks

  • The training and oversight of ground handling personnel

  • The procedures for handling passenger complaints inside airport terminals

Airports generally require that only trained security personnel (e.g., CISF) conduct body checks, especially for foreign passengers, and that such checks occur in designated areas and in the presence of same‑gender officials.

Officials from the airport and airline have said they are cooperating fully with police and reviewing protocols to prevent such abuses in the future.

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A Harrowing Experience for a Tourist

The victim, who had traveled to India on a tourist visa in November, was returning home when the incident occurred. Her complaint has been taken seriously by authorities, who are providing her with assistance and support while the case unfolds.