‘Dangal’ actress Zaira, 17, alleges molestation inside flight

The National Award winning Kashmiri actress in the film ‘Dangal’, Zaira Wasim, has alleged mid-flight molestation by a co-passenger sitting behind. She posted on social media about the incident leading to strong reaction among women groups and the police registering an FIR in Mumbai.

The incident was partially captured by the actress in her smartphone and in her Instagram account she revealed the entire episode in tears making an impact on social media which went outrageous about such incidents.

In her Instagram post, she said:”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, evoking even Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s reaction.

“Any harassment or crime against women should be dealt with swiftly and effectively. As a mother of two daughters, I am appalled at what happened with Zaira,” Mufti tweeted demanding action. She was joined by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who said the passenger should be identified by Air Vistara and a case should be filed.

Vistara Airlines apologized to the actress and said it has ordered a probe. “We apologize for what Wasim experienced and we have zero tolerance for such behaviour,” said the airlines on its official Twitter page.

Wrestler Babita Phogat too tweeted a video in support of Zaira, who played as younger Phogat in the film ‘Dangal’. “If someone is misbehaving with you, give a tight slap on their face. They will never dare to repeat their actions again. Zaira, you don’t need to be afraid of anyone and just be ‘dhaakad’ in real life as well.

But the social media is divided about her action. While some have expressed apprehension as to why she did not raise alarm immediately and call the crew, others said it could be her after-thought reaction. However, human rights and women organisations have asked for action by the authorities and demanded the identity of the person.