Indian Passenger Arrested in Shocking Sexual Assault During Singapore–Perth Flight

15/04/2026

PERTH, Apr 15: An Indian national has been charged over the alleged sexual assault of a female passenger on an international flight from Singapore to Perth, according to authorities.

The Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police allege the 52-year-old man committed non-consensual sexual acts against a woman seated next to him during the flight on Monday. The woman reported the incident to airline staff, who immediately assisted her and moved her to another seat for her safety.

Crew members continued to monitor the accused for the remainder of the journey before alerting authorities. Upon arrival at Perth Airport, officers escorted the man off the aircraft and took him into custody.

The accused, identified in court as Sudhir Kumar Chahuan, appeared before a Perth court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear again on Friday.

He faces one count of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of committing acts of indecency without consent. The most serious charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 12 years in prison under Australian law.

An acting superintendent said authorities have zero tolerance for criminal behavior on aircraft or within airport premises, stressing that all passengers have the right to feel safe while traveling. Officials also urged anyone subjected to inappropriate conduct during flights to report incidents immediately to airline staff or law enforcement.

The alleged incident is under joint investigation by federal police and the Western Australia sex assault squad.