In Indian-administered Kashmir, police have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual assault against an Indian Air Force Wing Commander. The accusations were made by a junior female officer, and the incident reportedly occurred during a New Year’s party at the Air Force Station in Srinagar on December 31, 2023.
The FIR was filed at Budgam police station on September 8, 2024, under Section 376 (2) of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with rape by armed forces members. According to the complaint, the alleged assault happened around 2 AM on January 1, 2024, after the Wing Commander invited the officer into a room supposedly to deliver a New Year’s gift.
The female officer criticized the response of senior officers at the Air Force Station, claiming their handling of her complaint was inadequate. An internal committee was set up to investigate the matter, but it took until April 2, 2024, to convene and concluded on May 15, 2024, finding the evidence inconclusive due to a lack of eyewitnesses.
The Indian Air Force spokesperson has yet to release a formal statement regarding the allegations.