An Indian national named Akash Tiwari was sentenced to six months in jail in Singapore on June 22, 2026, after pleading guilty to charges of molesting and harassing a Singapore Airlines flight attendant. The distressing incident took place on February 9, 2026, aboard a flight traveling from Bangkok to Singapore. Throughout the journey, the 35-year-old passenger and his group of friends displayed rowdy, disruptive behavior. The harassment began before the aircraft even took off; when the flight attendant approached Tiwari's row to confirm their meal choices, he intentionally touched her upper thigh. This inappropriate act prompted immediate laughter from his friends, and when the attendant confronted him, Tiwari merely smirked in response.

To ensure her safety and comfort, the flight attendant requested to be assigned to a completely different aisle for the remainder of the flight. However, Tiwari targeted her again during the meal service. As she was walking past his seat to collect meal trays, he intentionally nudged her buttocks with his elbow. He remained entirely unapologetic about his behavior. The situation escalated dramatically later in the flight when the attendant entered the plane's galley—a narrow, isolated kitchen area—to prepare for arrival. Tiwari followed her inside, physically cornered her, and refused to back away despite her clear distress. He only retreated when she finally shouted loudly for help, alerting her colleagues.

Upon the flight's arrival at Changi Airport, Tiwari was immediately arrested by the airport police who were waiting at the gate. During the court hearing, the prosecution emphasized the severe psychological impact of the ordeal, noting that the victim had suffered deep emotional trauma and panic attacks following the incident. In addition to his six-month prison sentence, the Singapore court ordered Tiwari to pay 1,270.95 Singapore dollars in direct compensation to the flight attendant to cover her subsequent medical expenses and counseling fees.