Bollywood reacts to Zaira Waseem's molestation, police arrests accuser

Accuser apparently apologised to the actor after finding out that his leg had unintentionally touched her shoulder

Dangal star Zaira Wasim, 17, has alleged she was molested mid-air by a middle-aged man, drawing strong reactions by celebrities. The airline apologized and Mumbai Police, which registered an FIR, arrested the accused on Sunday.

The National Award winning Kashmiri actor complained about her ordeal on the flight on Saturday, claiming that a middle-aged man seated behind her moved his foot up and down her neck and back.

In a self-shot video for Instagram live chat, Zaira is also seen breaking down.

PHOTO: FILE

"I just landed, the whole irony of this that I yelled... and this is not done... this is not how you should be treated or made to feel. This is terrible.

"This is how they will take care of girls? No one will help us if we don't decide to help ourselves and that is the worst thing," she said, looking visibly disturbed.

Late on Sunday night, the Mumbai Police arrested the accused, identified as Vikas Sachdeva, 39. According to police, Sachedeva, a resident of Andheri, was earlier detained this afternoon and questioned before arrested for molestation and on other charges.



However, according to Vikas, he apologised to Zaira after finding out that his leg had touched her shoulder, an act he said was unintentional. Vikas' wife Divya, supporter her husband's claim.

"My husband was coming home from Delhi. His mamaji (maternal uncle) had passed away and he was not in the right frame of mind. He was feeling very low and asked for a blanket. He wanted to sleep. I am shocked at Zaira's allegation. The police have taken my husband into custody," Divya said.



The incident drew wide condemnation, reports The Indian Express.

Kareena Kapoor Khan:

PHOTO: IBTIMES

Kareena Kapoor Khan, without directly referring to the particular incident, said she believes women are fighters and “can fight out of any situation” in their life.

“I definitely feel women are way more superior than men. We are fighters and whichever situation it is in our life, personal or professional, we all come out as fighters. When we talk about God, we talk about Goddess. So, we look from the perspective of a woman. When we talk about earth, we say mother earth. So, whenever we talk about anything, we talk about women. Women are far superior (than men). So, they can fight out of every situation," said Veere Di Wedding starlet.

Taapsee Pannu:

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

The Pink starlet, who has never shied away from speaking against gender-based violence, said, “I just hope she gets justice. It is good that at least she has raised her voice. She deserves to get justice.”

Bollywood veteran, Madhuri Dixit also shared her thoughts on the matter and said, “This should not happen, neither in India nor in any other part of the world.”

Zaree Khan: 

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

The actor Zareen Khan commented all the talk about women empowerment in the country will not bear any fruit until it’s coupled with an action against the abusers.

“I really don’t know what to say about it because such incidents keep happening in our country. Rather than focusing on issues like these, I don’t know why our country is behind minuscule matters. The way we talk about women empowerment and safety, I don’t think only talking about it is needed, we also need to take some action to stop all of this.”

Sushant Singh Rajput:

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Sushant Singh Rajput had a similar opinion, for he said, “We talk a lot (but) I think at the right place and in the right time, we need to take action also. We are intelligent and responsible enough as a country to see to it that these things don’t happen.”

Bhumi Pednekar: 

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

The strongest words came from Toliet Ek Prem actor Bhumi Pednekar, who said that Indian society treats its female stars as its property.

“I am appalled. She is a child. There is a problem in our culture where people think, especially if you are an actress, that you are their property. This is hugely problematic. But I am very happy that she put it out on social media. I am glad she took that step because it needs a lot of courage to speak, to come out and take a stand like that. More power to her,” she said.

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