“I felt so violated and yet no one was there to support,” are the words of television’s prominent actress, Tinaa Dattaa.
Tinaa is a fierce character. Frail in form but flamboyant in demeanor, she is a powerhouse of talent and the epitome of woman power.
Gaining stupendous success as the lead heroine in Colors’ Uttaran, Tinaa, sadly and shamefully, recently encountered the most horrifying and distasteful experience of her life.
Women are soaring high in all quarters of life yet there are some vultures (read: men) who cannot but consider them as mere sex objects, a thought which is repugnant and must be repudiated.
Everyday, we hear stories of sexual atrocities committed against women all across the country and the latest victim of such misogynistic act is Tinaa.
Yesterday morning, Tinaa was travelling to Rajkot from Mumbai via Jet Airways 9W 7001, departure time 10:25 am.
As she boarded her flight and settled on her seat no 30 A, with her manager seated on 30 C, she suddenly felt someone’s hands on her body, touching and fondling her inappropriately.
Recalling the incident, a distraught Tina shares, “A passenger seated on 31A, by the name of Rajesh, started touching me inappropriately. At first, I thought it's a kid but when I turned behind I was horrified. I yelled at him, and he started stammering and apologised. I seeked help of the cabin crew Pooja and Abhijeet to intervene in the matter, but they to my shock, rather than helping me, they had the audacity to tell that such an incident is a norm and only think they could do was change the man’s seat.”
(Rajesh, the alleged molester, as per picture shared by Tinaa)
She continues: “I demanded for the man to be deported but I was told that I would also be deported to file a complaint. After much persuasion, I was allowed to speak to the Captain Jagjeevan Singh. He was also not friendly and said ‘Before takeoff they are not responsible for anything that happens on board’. My question being had this happened with their family members would they still be so calm about the matter. I felt so violated and yet no one was there to support except one family in the entire aircraft.”
Tina, sadly adds that as Indians we do not care for the safety of our fellow beings. “No one stood up for me, is this how one should be treated? I get to hear all sorts of excuses how the matter is not on their (captain) jurisdiction and nothing can be done and apparently this is very common in flights (according to the air hostess). No one came forward to help me.”
And this was not enough as the actress had to face another shocking incident. “While I was having my meal, the passenger in front of me seated 29A, reclined his seat and was not willing to budge creating difficulties for me to eat. Air hostess Diana intervened and requested the man to upright his seat. The guy was so rude to her and started yelling. Even when she warned him of getting the cops, it did not seem to affect him at all.”
“I am ridiculed at whatever happened with me even when I am a known face. I wonder how many other girls have to face such disgusting experiences. It’s sad that we do not want to stand up and fight and rather let such things just pass.”
Tinaa is yet to file a police complaint.
Add new comment