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A disturbing incident involving alleged sexual assault on a flight has led to an investigation and swift action by both authorities and the company involved. Dinesh Saraogi, CEO of Vulcan Green Steel, a Jindal Group firm, stands accused of sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman on a July 16 Kolkata-Abu Dhabi flight. The victim, who was on her way to the US, described the ordeal in a detailed social media post, alleging that Saraogi showed her pornographic content and groped her during the flight.
The woman's parents filed a formal complaint with Kolkata airport police, leading to an FIR being registered against Saraogi. He has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), potentially facing up to five years in prison if convicted. While Saraogi was detained upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, he was released as the woman had a connecting flight to Boston and couldn't immediately file a formal complaint.
The victim's father explained the difficulty in lodging the complaint in Abu Dhabi due to the tight connection to her Boston flight and visa requirements. The Bengal police have taken charge of the case, and the victim's statement will be recorded via video call as she is currently in the US. Meanwhile, police are attempting to reach Saraogi in Oman, where he is based.
Vulcan Green Steel, following the allegations, placed Saraogi on administrative leave and appointed an independent third-party to conduct an internal investigation. The company expressed deep concern over the allegations and committed to addressing the situation with seriousness and urgency. Jindal Steel, a listed entity of the group, clarified to stock exchanges that Saraogi resigned as director in March 2023 and is no longer associated with the company.
This incident has sparked widespread attention, highlighting the urgent need to address sexual harassment in all settings, including air travel. The prompt action taken by the company and law enforcement officials reflects the seriousness of the accusations and the commitment to ensuring justice for the victim. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for both the accused and the companies involved.