An Indian national has been convicted by a federal jury in the United States for sexually assaulting a woman during a domestic commercial flight, in a case that has drawn sharp attention to passenger safety and accountability in air travel.
The accused, Varun Arora (38), was found guilty of sexually harassing a fellow passenger on a flight travelling from Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The incident took place on August 29, 2024, according to court records.
The conviction followed a trial in which prosecutors detailed how Arora repeatedly groped the woman while she was seated beside him, pretending to be asleep to avoid detection.
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What happened on board
According to evidence presented before the jury, the woman had fallen asleep during the flight. She later woke up to find Arora touching her inappropriately. When she tried to push him away, he allegedly continued the assault while wearing a sleep mask, feigning unconsciousness to mask his actions.
Court records stated that the accused used the confined space of the aircraft cabin and the victim’s vulnerable position to persist with the act, even after she attempted to resist. The woman later alerted authorities, leading to a federal investigation.
The jury accepted the survivor’s testimony, supported by circumstantial evidence, and rejected the defence’s claim that the incident was either accidental or misinterpreted.
Immigration status and legal consequences
During the trial, prosecutors disclosed that Arora was in the United States without lawful immigration status at the time of the offence. While this did not form the basis of the charge, it was cited as part of the background presented to the court.
Following the guilty verdict, Arora now faces a possible prison sentence of up to two years under US federal law. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 7, when a federal district court judge will determine the final punishment after considering sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The court may also consider post-sentencing immigration consequences, including potential deportation proceedings, though those decisions lie outside the criminal court’s immediate jurisdiction.
Investigation and prosecution
The case was investigated by federal authorities following the survivor’s complaint. Investigators reconstructed the events on board the aircraft through witness statements, seating arrangements and post-flight interviews.
Prosecutors argued that the act was deliberate, sustained and carried out with intent, stressing that pretending to be asleep demonstrated an effort to evade responsibility rather than a lack of awareness.
The defence, meanwhile, sought to cast doubt on the sequence of events but failed to convince the jury, which returned a unanimous verdict of guilt.
Air safety and accountability concerns
The conviction has once again highlighted the unique vulnerability of passengers in aircraft cabins, where restricted movement, dim lighting and close seating can enable sexual misconduct.
Aviation safety experts note that while airlines have improved reporting mechanisms and crew training in recent years, incidents of mid-air harassment often go unreported due to shock, fear or uncertainty about jurisdiction once the flight lands.
US law treats sexual assault on aircraft as a federal offence, regardless of whether the flight is domestic or international, allowing authorities to pursue prosecution even after passengers disembark.
Broader implications
Legal experts say the case underscores the growing willingness of US courts to impose criminal liability for in-flight sexual offences, sending a strong message that aircraft cabins are not spaces of impunity.
The verdict is also seen as reinforcing the principle that pretending unconsciousness or claiming misunderstanding will not shield offenders from accountability when evidence and testimony establish intent.
As Arora awaits sentencing, the case stands as a reminder of the importance of swift reporting, coordinated investigation and survivor support in addressing crimes committed thousands of feet above the ground.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
