A man accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a flight to Australia remains in custody after a judge rejected his unusual bail request to stay at an Airbnb popular with tourists.
Court appearance and charges
Sudhir Kumar Chauhan, 52, appeared before Perth Magistrates Court on Friday facing one count of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of indecent assault. The alleged incident occurred on April 13 aboard Scoot Airlines flight TR16 from Singapore to Perth, where Chauhan was traveling from Mumbai for a short business trip.
Prosecutors detailed that Chauhan occupied the aisle seat in a three-person row, with the alleged victim in the middle seat and another passenger by the window. None of the three were acquainted.
Alleged assault details
The court heard that Chauhan allegedly used a blanket to conceal his actions, covering his hand and the woman's lap while believing she was asleep. The offending reportedly lasted over ten minutes while the woman was awake, only ceasing when a cabin crew member passed or when the woman indicated she was awake. Prosecutors argued the assault would have continued otherwise.
Bail application and refusal
During the bail hearing, Chauhan's lawyer proposed a three-month lease at an eight-bedroom Airbnb property, which also rents to other guests and includes shared spaces. Conditions offered included a daily curfew from 8pm to 7am, surrender of his passport, and a requirement not to leave Western Australia.
However, the magistrate deemed the arrangement "highly unsuitable," citing the proposed residential circumstances as "too uncertain and too obscure." Bail was refused, and Chauhan was remanded to Hakea Prison, south of Perth.
He is scheduled to reappear via video link at Perth Magistrates Court on July 10.
