Hyderabad Officer Harasses Sri Lankan

Sri Lankan Student Alleges Harassment by Immigration Official at Hyderabad Airport

In a disturbing incident that raises serious concerns over passenger safety and airport security protocols, an immigration official stationed at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has been booked by the police following allegations of harassment made by a female student from Sri Lanka.

The student, who was transiting through Hyderabad airport on August 3, alleged that the officer misused his position to make unsolicited and inappropriate contact with her during her brief halt in the city. She claimed that the official gave her his personal number under the pretext of offering assistance and later made multiple calls, pressuring her to leave the airport with him.

Transit Turned Traumatic

According to the details revealed by the complainant, her journey was supposed to be a routine transit en route to another country. However, what unfolded during her short stay at the Hyderabad international terminal took an unsettling turn. While clearing immigration procedures, the officer in question reportedly struck up a conversation with her that went beyond the professional purview of his duties.

She stated that the officer handed her a piece of paper with his phone number and told her to call him “if she needed any help.” Initially perceiving it as a kind gesture, she did not think much of it.

However, shortly afterward, her phone began to ring repeatedly. It was the same official, calling her from the number he had given. The student claimed he made multiple unsolicited calls, during which he allegedly asked her to come out of the terminal and meet him in the airport’s parking lot. Shocked by the nature of the invitation and feeling increasingly unsafe, she decided to call a friend to seek advice.

Friend’s Advice Leads to Police Complaint

The student reached out to a friend to explain the bizarre situation. Recognizing the red flags and the potential danger, the friend immediately advised her to contact the police without delay. Following this guidance, the student approached the police present at the airport and formally lodged a complaint detailing her experience.

Based on her testimony, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to stalking and harassment. The FIR (First Information Report) was filed on August 4, the day after the alleged incident occurred.

Police Launch Investigation

Confirming the development, airport police officials stated that a case had indeed been registered and the investigation was underway. They have not yet disclosed the name of the accused immigration officer, citing that the matter is sensitive and under inquiry.

Authorities are currently examining CCTV footage from the immigration counters and other relevant airport areas to verify the student’s claims. Phone call records are also being sought to corroborate the number of times the official attempted to contact the complainant.

A senior police official mentioned that while the complainant had since left the country, her statement had been formally recorded, and the case would proceed based on the available evidence. If necessary, she may be contacted again during the course of the investigation.

Airport Authorities Acknowledge Complaint

Meanwhile, officials from the Immigration Department at Hyderabad airport have acknowledged the filing of the case. Though no official statement has been released to the media, sources indicate that the department is cooperating with the police investigation. The accused officer is expected to be questioned, and internal disciplinary action may follow depending on the outcome of the probe.

Pattern of Misuse of Power?

This incident has sparked broader discussions about the misuse of authority by individuals working in high-security, high-responsibility environments such as international airports. Travelers—particularly women—are often vulnerable during transit, and such incidents reflect systemic lapses in oversight and training.

A representative from a local NGO working for women’s safety commented on the situation:

“This case highlights the need for strict behavioral protocols for officials working in sensitive areas. The fact that an officer would feel emboldened enough to pursue a passenger while on duty indicates a serious gap in accountability.”

International Student Community Reacts

The Sri Lankan student community in India has expressed concern over the incident. Representatives of student groups from Hyderabad and Bengaluru said that many international students often travel alone and depend on airport authorities for assistance and safety during transits.

“This kind of behavior shakes our trust in systems that are meant to protect us,” said a student leader. “We are glad the victim had the presence of mind to call a friend and report the incident. We hope the authorities take this seriously and ensure justice is served.”

Legal Consequences Under BNS

Under the newly adopted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), stalking and harassment are punishable offenses. If found guilty, the officer could face significant legal consequences including imprisonment and dismissal from service. The law also allows the police to initiate an internal complaint mechanism within the government department where the accused works, potentially leading to suspension pending the investigation.

Legal experts have commented that the complainant’s decision to report the matter while still in India has given the police a solid foundation to proceed with their case. “Had she not filed a complaint, the opportunity to legally pursue the accused would have been lost,” said a Hyderabad-based lawyer.

Need for Passenger-Friendly Complaint Systems

The incident has triggered calls for establishing more transparent and passenger-friendly complaint systems at airports. Activists say that while most international airports have formal mechanisms to report misconduct, many passengers are unaware of these or are hesitant to speak up due to fear of retaliation or cultural barriers.

There are demands for:

• Clear signage at immigration counters about passenger rights.

• Dedicated helpline numbers displayed in visible areas.

• Female officers stationed at every immigration counter.

• Anonymous reporting systems within airports.

Similar Past Incidents at Airports

Unfortunately, this is not the first time an incident of harassment involving an airport official has come to light. In the past, passengers—both domestic and international—have reported instances of inappropriate behavior by airline staff, security personnel, and even customs officers.

However, in most cases, the lack of swift legal action or departmental consequences has led to under-reporting. This recent case from Hyderabad may serve as a watershed moment for reform and stricter checks on airport staff behavior.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Authorities

This incident serves as a harsh reminder that those in positions of power must be held to the highest standards of conduct. The harassment of a young student during a transit halt by a government official not only tarnishes the reputation of the immigration system but also raises serious questions about the safety of international travelers in India.

As investigations continue, many are watching closely to see how firmly the authorities act. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent—not just for Indian airports, but for the global travel industry.

Disclaimer:

This article is based on a police complaint and ongoing investigation. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Names have not been disclosed to protect privacy.

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