A High Court in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has granted pre-arrest bail to an Indian Air Force Wing Commander who is facing allegations of rape. The court’s decision was influenced by concerns that an arrest could significantly damage the Wing Commander’s reputation and career.
The case began with a First Information Report (FIR) filed at Budgam police station, based on a complaint from a 26-year-old female IAF officer. She accused the Wing Commander of sexual assault during a New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 2023. According to her complaint, the Wing Commander invited her to his room under the pretext of delivering a gift, where he then allegedly assaulted and molested her. She claimed to have resisted and eventually escaped.
The officer reported that the Wing Commander acted as though nothing had occurred when he visited her office afterward. She felt intimidated and reluctant to report the incident due to previous discouragement.
The officer also alleged mishandling of the internal inquiry into the incident. She claimed that although a Colonel was appointed to investigate, the accused Wing Commander was present during the process, making her uncomfortable. Additionally, she reported that her requests for a medical examination were delayed.
The court has permitted the investigation to continue but has ordered that no chargesheet be filed without its explicit consent. The Wing Commander must meet with the investigating officer from September 14 to 16 and is required to obtain permission from his Commanding Officer before leaving Jammu and Kashmir. He is also barred from contacting any prosecution witnesses.
The Air Force has stated it will fully cooperate with the investigation. Discussions about rape and sexual violence in India gained prominence following the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi, which led to widespread protests and changes in rape laws. Despite these legal reforms, activists argue that substantial progress is still needed to effectively address the issue. The recent rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata has once again brought the issue into the global spotlight.
