SpiceJet
Police have registered a case against the female employee. Image Credit: AFP

Jaipur: A female SpiceJet employee was arrested following an altercation with a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Jaipur airport. The airline responded by alleging that the incident was a case of sexual harassment.

Get exclusive content with Gulf News WhatsApp channel

The incident occurred on Thursday when the employee was asked to undergo mandatory screening at the nearby entrance for airline crew, but no female CISF personnel were available at the time. According to a senior CISF official, the situation escalated when the female employee became agitated and slapped the on-duty CISF personnel.

"A female SpiceJet employee was asked to undergo mandatory screening at the nearby entrance for airline crew at Jaipur airport, but no female CISF personnel were available at the time. The female employee got agitated and slapped the on-duty CISF personnel. A case has been registered against her, and she has been arrested," said a senior CISF official.

SpiceJet responded swiftly to the incident, issuing an official statement that presented a different perspective on the altercation.

"Today, an unfortunate incident occurred at Jaipur Airport involving a SpiceJet female security staff member and a male CISF personnel. While escorting a catering vehicle at the steel gate, our female security staff member, who had a valid airport entry pass issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), India's civil aviation security regulator, was subjected to inappropriate and unacceptable language by the CISF personnel, including asking her to come and meet him after his duty hours at his home," the airline said in an official statement.

The airline further announced its commitment to taking immediate legal action, characterizing the event as a serious case of sexual harassment.

"SpiceJet is taking immediate legal action in this serious case of sexual harassment against its female employee and has approached the local police. We stand firmly by our employee and are committed to providing her with full support."