Air India female crew member assaulted in London hotel on August 15

An Air India cabin crew member was allegedly assaulted by an intruder at a London hotel earlier this week. The incident took place late Thursday night (August 15) at the Radisson Red Hotel near Heathrow Airport, where the airline's crew was staying.

The assailant was apprehended on the scene and handed over to local authorities. The injured crew member received immediate medical attention and was later transferred to a hospital.

She has since been discharged and is en route back to Mumbai, The Hindu reported.

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Indian national attacked in London hotel: What happened?

According to an unidentified source cited by The Times of India, the attack occurred shortly after midnight, at approximately 1:30 AM (local time).

The crew member was reportedly asleep in her room when she was suddenly confronted by the intruder.

"She woke up startled and screamed for help," the source recounted. "The attacker assaulted her with a clothes hanger and dragged her across the floor as she tried to reach the door."

The crew member suffered significant bruising from the ordeal. The source added that the intruder attempted to flee the scene, but was ultimately captured by the police. Due to her injuries, she was unable to continue her scheduled flight duties, and a fellow crew member remained with her for support.

Concerns about safety at the hotel had been raised by Air India staff before the incident.

Crew members had reportedly voiced complaints about insufficient security measures, including dimly lit corridors, an unmanned reception area, and incidents of unknown individuals knocking on their doors, according to The Hindu.

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An Air India spokesperson confirmed the attack and stated that the airline is providing full support to the affected crew member, including professional counseling.

“We are deeply anguished by an unlawful incident of intrusion at a hotel, operated by a major international chain, that affected one of our crew members. We are providing all possible support to our colleague and their broader team, including professional counselling. Air India is also working with the local police to pursue the matter to the fullest extent of the law, and with the hotel management to ensure such incidents are not repeated,” the spokesperson said, according to the Times of India.

(With inputs from agencies)