Balasubramanian Ramesh, a 73-year-old Indian national, has been charged with molesting four women on a Singapore Airlines flight traveling from the United States to Singapore on November 18. The alleged offenses are reported to have taken place during 14 hours, from 3:15 am to 5:30 pm, when Ramesh is said to have targeted the victims at various points throughout the day. The charges include multiple counts of molestation, with each offense carrying a potential penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
The alleged incidents began early in the morning, with Ramesh reportedly molesting his first victim at around 3:15 am. Only five minutes later, he is said to have targeted a second woman. Between 3:30 am and 6:00 am, he allegedly molested the second victim multiple times. At 9:30 am, he reportedly assaulted a third woman, and the final incident occurred at 5:30 pm. The authorities have not released details about the victims, including whether they were passengers or crew members, due to a gag order imposed to protect their identities.
The legal implications for Ramesh are serious. Under Singaporean law, the charges could result in significant jail time, but because of his age, he is exempt from one of the most severe forms of punishment for such offenses—caning. In Singapore, offenders over 50 years old are not subject to corporal punishment, which means that Ramesh will not face this particular penalty. However, the charges still carry significant potential sentences, with each molestation charge carrying up to three years in prison.
The alleged actions of Ramesh have shocked both the public and authorities, particularly because of the manner and frequency of the alleged incidents during the lengthy flight. Singapore has some of the strictest laws in the world concerning sexual offenses, and the case has drawn widespread attention due to the seriousness of the charges.
Ramesh is expected to formally plead guilty to the charges on December 13, and the court proceedings are being closely watched as they may set a significant precedent for how such cases are handled. The flight incident has brought attention to issues of passenger safety and conduct on international flights, especially with regard to the safety of women in such enclosed and sometimes vulnerable environments.
