A 60-year-old pilot employed by a private aviation firm has been charged with allegedly raping a 26-year-old cabin crew member at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru. The incident reportedly occurred during a layover on November 18, 2025.

According to the complaint filed with the Begumpet Police in Hyderabad, the victim, a pilot herself, had traveled to Bengaluru with the accused, Rohit Sharan, for routine company work. After arriving in Bengaluru, they checked into a hotel on MG Road. The victim stated that after a brief outing, the accused led her to his hotel room under the pretense of visiting a smoking area. Once inside, he allegedly locked the door and sexually assaulted her, attempting to remove her undergarments and ignoring her pleas to stop.

The woman managed to resist the assault and escape from the room. She returned to Hyderabad that same night and immediately filed a complaint with the Begumpet police. After registering the initial FIR, authorities transferred the case to the Halasuru Police Station in Bengaluru, as the alleged crime occurred within their jurisdiction. Inspector Saidulu of the Begumpet police confirmed the details and the department's commitment to victim support.

The victim's statement indicates the pilot "violated the crew member in the hotel room". She also informed her organization about the incident, which led to internal escalation.

This case highlights the potential vulnerabilities within the aviation industry and underscores the importance of robust safety protocols for employees during travel. The incident serves as a reminder of how workplace trust can be shattered, prompting calls for increased vigilance in industries where isolation is common.

Authorities in Bengaluru have taken over the investigation and are gathering evidence from the hotel and potential witnesses. The investigation is ongoing.