Manager in Dubai charged with sexually abusing female co-worker at Diwali party

Dubai: A manager in Dubai had kissed one of his colleagues and sought sexual favours from her during a Diwali party at his residence, the Dubai Court of First Instance heard on Tuesday.

Dubai Public Prosecution has charged the defendant with sexually abusing the woman.

The 32-year-old Indian woman testified that she had helped organise a Diwali party at the defendant’s home in Bur Dubai last November. After the guests left, the 59-year-old Indian defendant kissed her and asked for sexual favours.

“There were about 40 people at the event — all employees of the company. After midnight, as they started leaving, the defendant asked me to stay back for 20 minutes,” the woman said on record.

Both the defendant and the victim were seated on a sofa when the defendant started consuming more alcohol.

“He held my left hand and pulled me close to him. He then held my right hand and tried to kiss me on my lips. I pushed him away, but he kept holding my hands. I was afraid and confused when he asked for sex with me in his bedroom,” added the woman.

The defendant then let the victim go, but told her to think over the offer.

She left the house, but the next day, the defendant called her and wanted to discuss what had happened the night before. The victim then lodged a complaint at Bur Dubai Police Station.

The victim claimed that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.

The next hearing will be on August 18.