Mob Justice Targets IndiGo Pilot and Spouse Over Child Exploitation Claims

New Delhi, 19 July, (VNI) As per media reports, an incident took place in Delhi's Dwarka where an IndiGo pilot and her husband, who also works for the airline, were attacked by a mob. The reason cited for the assault was their alleged employment of a 10-year-old girl as a domestic help and the subsequent torture she endured. The mob assaulted the couple, as shown in disturbing videos that surfaced on social media. The woman, still wearing her pilot's uniform, was repeatedly slapped, pulled by her hair, and hit by several women while she cried for help. Despite her apologies, the assault persisted.

Her husband was also attacked separately by a group of men while attempting to come to his wife's rescue. Some individuals in the mob even threatened her life during the attack.

The incident came to light when a relative of the 10-year-old girl noticed injury marks on her arms and informed the police. The couple had apparently hired the girl for domestic chores about two months prior, and she was reportedly abused, allegedly on suspicion of theft.

Local residents, upon hearing about the alleged mistreatment, gathered to confront the couple and ended up assaulting them. The police arrived at the scene later and arrested the couple. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

According to the law, employing children as domestic help is strictly prohibited in India, but this law is often violated.  According to media reports the girl, subjected to abuse, underwent a medical examination and received counseling. Based on her statement, the authorities have registered a complaint against the couple under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.