Zaira Wasim
Zaira Wasim, Instagram

Vistara went into damage-control mode on Sunday, as fans of Dangal actress Zaira Wasim took to Twitter to express their outrage after she claimed to have been molested on one of the flights of the airline.

Vistara's statements came a few hours after the 17-year-old took to Instagram to share how a passenger kept rubbing his foot against her back and neck while she was travelling from New Delhi to Mumbai on the night of Saturday, December 9.

'Zaira refused to file complaint'

The airline clarified that the Dangal star started yelling at the accused when the flight was about to land. But as it is a strict rule for everybody on board including crew members to remain seated when the aircraft is descending, the staff could not help her immediately.

The Tata-owned airline has said Zaira "had not brought the incident to notice of the crew till the flight commenced descent", according to ANI.

"After landing the crew inquired about the incident and asked Zaira and her mother if they want to file a complaint but they denied," said Vistara sources.

Vistara statement
Vistara statement on Zaira Wasim's molestation.Vistara Twitter account

Vistara also said though it is yet to contact the accused male passenger, they have summoned all cabin crew for inquiry about the incident.

Meanwhile the police have already contacted the Secret Superstar actor to record her statement.

Twitterati divided

Her fans as well as National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma took cognisance of the incident. The former even created a huge hue and cry about the assault.

Sharma, meanwhile, told ANI: "I just saw the video on Instagram & my heart goes out to her. I am really horrified the way this incident happened & after that the crew didn't help this girl. That was very shocking because Vistara claims that it has zero tolerance."

Sharma also said the NCW had issued a notice to Vistara. She added that they have also brought the incident to the notice of the DGP of Maharashtra.

Twitterati also condemned the incident:

Even Babita Phogat, whose elder sister's role was played by Zaira in Dangal, has stood up for her.

Even the Delhi Commission of Women have issued a notice to Vistara Airlines on Zaira's allegations of the molestation attempt and has sought a report of the incident by December 16

However, a section of the Twitterati feels it was wrong on the part of Zaira to have not reacted when she was being assaulted and later made a video to gain sympathy.

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